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JSVIL AND MILITARY 

ma ©"if (DIBIT 



OP 



ANDREW JACKSON, 

LATE MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE ARMY OF THE 

UNITED STATES, 

AND 

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE SOUTHERN DIVISIONo 



A Chief in all the ways of battle skill'd, 
Great in the council — mighty in the field : 
By whom the ftow'r of Britain, in full martial bloom, 
^ In battle's rage seat headlong to the tomb. 



BY AN AMERICAN OFFICER, 



NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED BY P. M. DAYIS, 

1825. 



\ 



W \i^'~i^ 



Southern District of jVew- York, ss. 

Be it remembered, That on the 10th day of June, A.D. 1825, 

, > in the 49th year of the Ipdependence of the United States 

I L. S. I of America, P. M. Davis, of ttie said District, bath dtpqs- 

« ' ited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he 

claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit : 

" Civil and Military History of Andrew Jackson, late Major-Gcne- 
ral in the Army of the United States, and Commander-in-Chief of 
the Southern Division. 

A Chief in all the ways of battle Fkill'd, 
Great in the council, mighty in the field : 
By whom the flow'r of Britain, in fuH martial bloom, 
In battle's rage sent headio'ig to the tomb. 
By an American Officer." 

In conformity to the .Act of Congress of the United States, entitled 
'' An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies 
of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such 
copies, during the t.me (herein mentioned." .And also to an Act, en- 
titled " An Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the en- 
couragement of learning, by securing tlie copies of mpps, charts, and 
books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies^ duriiig the times 
therein mentioJied, and extending the benefits thereof to ibc arts of 
designing, engraving, and etching hi^toiicai and other prints." 

JAME^^ DILL, 
Clerk of the Southern District of JVeiv-York, 



«i * JViAY 



t- 






TO THE READER. 



The high estimation in which General Andrew 
Jackson is hehi by his countrymen, was the in- 
ducement to present them with this volume. Since 
his name became conspicuous in the service of his 
country, the author and publisher has carefully 
sought for the most authentic information relative 
to his origin, and progress from humble life to his 
exalted station. 

The facts relative to his parentage, his birth, 
education, and early pursuits, were derived from 
a source the most correct, and of absolute veracity. 
And one thing is most certain, that when time shall 
have defaced monuments of brass and marble, his 
name will be handed down to posterity, and an ad- 
miring world will say, he was a successful defender 



>V TO THE READER, 

of the rights and privileges of the only free gov- 
eminent on earth ; and the citizens of New-Orleans 
may truly say- 
Maidens fair, and Matrons grave, 
These thy conquering arms did save : 
Raise for him triumphal bowers ; 
Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers^ 
Strew our hero's way with flowers 

JsrexC'York, May <ilOth, 1825 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Adoption of American Constitntion — Pursuits of Americans — Dimi- 
nution of Military ardour — Declaration of War — Militia — Volun- 
teers — Regular Troops — Andrew Jackson. - - p. 11 
CHAP. I. 

His family, birth, and early pursuits—Enters into the army of the 
Revolution — is captured by the British— resists an illegal order of 
a British officer — receives a wound, and is committed to gaol- 
loses his surviving brother — his mother dies of grief— he completes 
his literary studies. - - - - - - - p. 21 

CHAP. II. 

Incidents of early life — of Andrew Jackson's —He commences and 
completes the study of law — Patriotism of American lawyers — He 
commences the practice of law, and emigrates to the South-West 
Territory— is appointed Attorney-General — member of the Ten» 
nessee Convention — a Representative in Congress — a Senator in 
Congress—a fudge of the Supreme Court in Tennessee — and re- 
tires to private life. - - - - - - p. 33 

CHAP III. 

-Mr. Jackson's career in civil life — commencement of his Military 
career — Major-General cf Tennessee Militia — Militia forces- 
American Savages — reason for their hatred and vengeance against 
Anglo-Americans— Religious fanaticism among them— The Prophet 

A 2 



VI CONTENTS. 

Fra-^icis and his brother Tecuraseh — Effect of their assumed (divini- 
ty — r(/iu*^tof (ien. Jackson. and ins V'olunteerSj to tlie govern* 
ment of the Li. States. - - - - >. - p 42 

CHAT^o IV. 

€!eo. .Jackson and Tennessee Volunteers — Importance of the river 
Mississippi- — Mr. Vlo r(,c's soiicitude for the security of it, and the 
WosUj-n -tates — Volunteers rendezvous at Nashville, Tenn — de- 
scend the Ohio and Mississippi- -encamp at Natchez — Order for 
their discharge, from Mr. Armstrong — disobeyed by Gen. Jack- 
son—Volunteers return to Tennessee, and are discharged- Appro- 
bation of the government. - - - - - p. 53 

GHAP. V. 

Approbation and censure of Gen. Jackson — implacable hostility cf 
savages increased by British and Spanish emissaries, and British 
ravages -Indian massacre of garrison, women and children, at 
Fort Mimins — Expedition fiom Tennessee against Creeks prepar- 
ed — Gen. Jackson assumes the command — Colonel Coffee — differ- 
ence between Mi. ilia, Volunteers, and l^egular Troops — General 
Jackson pioceeds to the frontiers — prepares fo; active service — 
Deficiency of provisions — Col. Dyer destroys Littafiitchcs — First 
victory over the Greeks at Tallushatchcs — Gen. Coffee's report oi 
it to Gen. Jackson. ------- p. 62 

CHAP. vr. 

Tennessee forces — Collisions in armies—Establishment at Foit Stro- 
ther — Perilous situation of friendly' Creeks — Despatch to Genera! 
White — his conduct— Battle of Talladega — Gen. Jackson's ac- 
count of it. - - - - - - - - P' 80 

CHAP. VII. 

Consequences of Hrig Gen, White's conduct — Hillabccs sue for peace 
to Gen. J.ickson — Gen. White destroys tlscir towns — Measures of 
the Georgia Legislature — Victory at Autoussee — Brig G<i . Floyd's 
account of it — Gen. J.ickson's situation in December, 1813 — Muti- 
ny among his troops — also in Gen. Coffee's brigade — dismissal of 
both. ----.,«.-- p. 90> 



eOXTENTS.. Til 

CHAP. VIIT, 

Gen. Jackson's situation at the conamencement of 1814 — bis hopes 
revive — Victory at Eccanacbacf,, or Holy Ground — Witherford, 
the Indian Prophet — Col. Carroll joins Gen. Jackson — Victories at 
Emuckfaw, Jan. 22d — at Enotachopco, the 24th— Gen. Jackson's 
official report of them — Applause bestowed upon soldiers. p. lOS 

CHAP. IX. 

Gen Jackson prepares for a new expedition — receive* an account of 
the victory at Chatahouchee — adopts a ntw mode to obtain sup- 
plies — Army Contractors — Energetic measures — Great victory at 
Tohopeka — Savage warfare — British and Sjianish emissaries p. 125 

CHAP. X 

Conclasion of the Creek war — Return of Gen. Jackson and Volun- 
teers — their reception and separation — Gen. Jackson is appointed 
Brigadier-General in U» S. army — also a Commissioner to treat 
with Creek Indians — concludes a treaty — Foreign emissaries — In- 
dian eloquence — Speech of Witherford — of Big Warrior — of Te- 
cumseh, and his death. - - - - •'« - p. 139^ 

CHAP. XI. 

Spanish aggressions and perfidy — Gen. Jackson's measures to detect 

Manrequez, the Governor of Florida — his letter to him — Danger 

of the 7th Military district — Gen. Jackson's appeal to the govern- 

jnent — Mr. Monroe's measures of defence — Attack upon Fort Bow- 

ver— gallant defence of Major Lawrence — his otEcia! report of it. 

p. 167 
CHAP. XII. 

Gen. Jackson is appointed Maj. Gen, in U. S. army— Fort Bowyer— 
its Importance, and its danger — Gen Jackson determines to re- 
duce Pensacola — Arrival of Gen. Coffee with Tennessee Volunteers 
and Mississippi Dragoons — Capture of Pensacola — Gen. Jackson's 
account of it — Destruction of the Barancas — He returns to Mo- 
bile— Col. Nicoll's proclamation — Remark. - - p. 176 

CHAP. XIII. 

Geaera! Jackson's arrival at New-Orleans— perilous situation of that 



Viii CONTENTS. 

place — reliance upon distant forces — his address to the people oi 
Louisiana — timidity of the legislature — evidence of disafftction, 
and traitorous conduct — Declaration of Martial Law — Measures of 
defence — Arrival of reinforcements — Landing of the enemy — Bat- 
tle of the 23d December— Official report of it. - p. 190 

CHAP. XIV. 

Benevolent eyertions of the Ladies of Ncw-Orlcans — Gen. Jackson 
selects the. final position of his army — Loss of the naval force — 
Capt. Patterson — Lieut. Jones — Harmony between land and naval 
forces— 'Defence at the mouth of the Mississippi — American lines 
on the east and west side of the river descrihed — Battle of the 28th 
December — of the 1st January — Attempts upon the left wing of the 
American army. - - - - - - - p. 210 

CHAP. XV. 

Gen. Jackson's and Sir Edward Pakenham's armies from the Isl to 
the 8th January — Gen Morgan's lines — Battle of the 8tb Janua- 
ry —Gen. Jackson's report of it- Gen Morgan's retreat — General 
Jackson's address to the armies — he regains the right bank of the 
Mississippi — Bombardment, and attack upon Fort St. Philips — Maj. 
Overton's report to Gen. Jackson - - - - p. 224 

CHAP. XVL 

Situation of the armies after the battle of the 8th January — Melan- 
choly and distressing scene — Operations at the mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi—Departure of the enemy — Gen. Jackson's address to the 
American troops — Disparity in the loss of the two armies, p. 243 

CHAP. XVII. 

Gen. Jackson appoints a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise, for the vic- 
tories obtained, and for the preservation of the city, upon the 23d 
January — Doct. Dubourg's Address — the General's answer — con- 
tinues his exertions to render the country more secure — surrender 
of Fort Bowyer -peace proclaimed — discharge of troops — General 
Jackson's address to them— Remark. - - - p. 258 

CHAP. XVIII. 

Recapitulation of facts relative to the proclamation of Martial Law, 



CONTENTS. IX 

writ of habeas eorpuSy Louaillier, and Jadge WaM~- Arrest of Gen, 
Jackson — his defence, conviction, and fine — Trial by jury— Popular 
feeling — Moderation of Geo. Jackson — he advises to a sacred re- 
gard for civii power. - - - - - - p 270 

CHAP. XIX. 

Gen. Jackson retires from New-Orleans — arrives at Nashville, his 
place of residence — Reflection — He receives a message to repair 
to the seat of government, to assist in arranging the Peace Estab- 
lishment of the U. S.army — Difficulty of that duty — Votes of thanks^ 
&c. to Gen. Jackson — He repairs to the seat of government — Ci- 
vilities received upon his passage, and on his arrival — Returns to 
his head-quarters at Nashville, and in 1816, repairs to New-Or- 
leans, and arranges the army. - - - - p. 286 

CHAP. XX. 

Gen. Jackson negociatcs a treaty for the extinguishment of Indian 
titles to land — Issues au order relative to this subject — Receives a 
sliver vase from the Ladies of South-Carolina, &c.^ — Returns to 
Nashville — Issues an important general order — Prepares to defend 
his Division -Commencement of Seminole War — Gen Gaines at- 
tacks the Seminoles — Gen Jackson addresses the *' Tennessee 
Volunteers" — repairs to Georgia — and enters with his army into 

Florida — Justification of that measure — Hecaptujes St. Marks. 

p. 297 
CHAP. XXL 

Oen. Jackson at Fort St Marks, Florida — captures and executes 
Francis the Prophet, and an Indian Chi^f— at the same place, takes 
Arbuthnotand Ambrister — details a general court-maitial for their 
tiial -Trial of Arbi.thnot and Ambrisier — Remark — Gen. Jackson 
marches for Pensacola — captures it — appoints Col. King to the 
command of it, and retires to Nashville, Tenn, - p» 315 

CONCLUSION. 

lacidents of Gen. Jackson's life — his character«, - - p. 354 



INTRODUCTION. 



Adoption of American Constitution— Pursuits of Americans — Dimi- 
nution of Military ardour— Declaration of War — Militia — Volun- 
teers — Regular Troops — Andrew Jackson. 

From the concliision of the war for American In- 
dependence, to the commencement of that war 
which secured it, the Americans were almost whol- 
ly diverted from the study of military tactics, and 
no opportunity had occurred to call into operation 
the military science acquired in the revolutionary 
struggle. The mild arts of peace were substituted for 
Uie ruthless carnage of war; and a rising people, 
who had severed the ligament that hound them to an 
European monarch, commenced the enjoyment of 
self-government. 

To organize a Republic, consisting of a confede- 
racy of a number of distinct governments, having 
different, and in some respects contending interests, 
was a task which required, and called forth the sci- 
ence and the energies of the first statesmen which 
the world had produced. 

Upon the conclusion of that war, the i)eopIe of 



12 li^TRODtJCTION. 

the American Republic, as it regarded a form oi 
government, were " in a state of nnture.^* Desti- 
tute of a government of their own making, they 
had before them the lights of antiquity, and the 
practical knowledge of modern ages. With the 
scrutinizing research of statesmen, and the calm 
deliberation of philosophers they proceeded to es- 
tablish a constitution of Civil Government, as the 
supreme law of the land. The establishment of 
this constitution is, perhaps, without a parallel in 
the history of the civilize d world. It v\as not the 
iinresisttd mandate of asuccesslul usurper, nor was 
it a government imposed upon the people by a vic- 
torious army. It was digested by profound states- 
men, who aimed to secure ail the rights of the 
people who had acquired them, by their toil, their 
courage, and their patriotism. They aimed also to 
give to the government, sulhcient energy to com- 
mand respect. 

To ihQ people of the American Republic, a Con- 
stitution was presented for ?A<2> deliberation, and 
for their adoption. It was adopted, not with en- 
tire unanimity, but by a majority of the people, 
sufficiently respectable to give its operation a 
promising commencement. The people, having 
emancipated themselves from the pouer of a 
British monarch — having successfully resisted his 
lords and his commons, looked with jealousy upon 
those who were called to the exercise of the pow- 



inthoductiox. 18 

©1' ulucli tliey had themselves delegatetl to their 
own countrymen. The excellency of the constitu- 
tion was tested by the practical application of its 
principles ; and the patriotism and integrity of all 
the early officers who derived their power from it, 
were acknowledged by their admiring countrymen. 
The people, having witnessed the establishment 
cf a republican government, of their own choice, re- 
lapsed from the energetic character of republican 
soldiers, to the more gentle ones, of agriculturalists, 
merchants and mechanics. 

JgricuUurallsts found a capacious field for the 
exercise of their pursuits in the widely extended 
and fertile regions of the Republic. Land specula- 
tion became the business of the few, who had ade- 
quate fund§, and the conversion of the wilderness 
into fertile fields, the pursuit of those who had in- 
dustry and enterprise. 

The Merchants found a world before them as the 
theatre upon which ^/^t-zV energies were to be exert- 
ed. Eujoying peace with all nations, whilf other 
nations were contending with ^ach other for domin- 
ion or wealth, the merchants of the Republic became 
the carriers for the commercial world. Into their 
cmpioy they drew thousands of their countrymen, 
.and soon rendered the American States the second 
nation in the world, in point of commercial cowst- 
quence. 

Manufacturers began to struirgle for the rank 
B 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

which they hold in many of the countries in the old 
world. It was long an ineffectual struggle. — But 
as the " restrictive sr/stem''* was deemed necessary 
from the unceasing encroachments of European gov- 
ernments upon the commercial rights of America, 
they rapidly advanced in wealth, and gave employ 
to a numerous class of citizens. 

These three great objects of pursuit, embraced 
the whole American people, if we except those of the 
learned professions. These employments were all 
calculated to divert attention from military tactics, 
and to confine it rather to the accumoJation of 
wealth, than to the advancement of national glory, 
by military achievements. In addition to this, the 
very nature of the American Constitution, was cal- 
culated to repress military ardour, beinjij more cal- 
culated to make happy citizens^ than renowned sol- 
diers. The surviving patriots of the revolution 
were following each other in rapid succession to the 
tomb, and the rising youth of America were seldom 
aroused to patriotism by the tales of the revolution- 
ary contest. 

Sudden wealth was the result of the exertions of 
the different classes of Americans. The voluptu- 
ousness and effeminacy, usually attendants upon the 
possession of it, were rapidly diminishing that exalt- 
ed sense of national glory, for which the SaxoiiSy the 
ancient stock from which Americans and English- 
men trace their origin, were always celebrated. 



i 



INTRODUCTION. 



15 



As the collisions between the American Republic, 
and the British empire, began to assume an hostile 
SLsp^cti frequent 7iegociations were commenced, and 
as often terminated in widening the breach between 
the two governments. 

The murder of Pierce, by order of a British naval 
officer, although from the tranquillized and almost 
paraJized state of public feeling, it did not excite 
the same indignation as the massacre of Boston citi- 
zens, by British troops, before the revolutionary 
war, yet it was no less an outrage upon humanity 
and national dignity, than that barbarous deed. 

The constant impressment of American seamen, 
although in its character a less sanguinary violation 
of national and individual rights, was a more widely 
extended injury. " The social body is oppressed, 
when one of its members is oppressed." That na- 
tion can hardly be said to be independent, who will 
acquiesce in an injury committed upon one cf itS 
citizens by another nation. It was an aphorism of 
the great Hollander, De Witt — '« That no independ' 
ent nation ovght tamelij to submit to a breach of equity 
and justice, from another, however tmcqual the pon- 
crs.''^ Although an injury to individuals, is m in- 
jury to the nation; yet in the attack upon the Ches- 
apeake, a national vessel, the national dignity was 
directly insulted. To impress seamen from an U. 
S, frigate, belonging to an infant navy, whose gal- 

* History of Holland, 



10 INTRODUCTION". 

Jantry in the Mediterranean, had excited the admi- 
ration and even the jealousy of Nelson, produced a 
ferment in the American Republic which could ne- 
ver subside until ample reparation was obtained. 

The orders in Council—new and unauthorised 
principles of blockade, and an invasion of the rii^hts 
of neutrals, added to the other injuries mentioned, 
and to which might be added many more, compel- 
led the great council of the Republic to resort to 
measures more efficient ih.d.i\ noiwintercourse^embar' 
cfocs and negociatlons» 

Facts will justify the assertion, that upon the 
momentous question whether War or Submission 
should be resorted to by America, the American 
people were divided in opinion ; and this division 
of opinion was ascertained by a knowledge of the 
two great political parties in the Republic. The 
Republican party exclaimed, with an ancient Ro- 
man, " Our voice is still for IFar." The Federal 
party, with another Roman, exclaimed, " Our 
thoughts, we must confess, are turned to Peace. '^ 

The justice, necessity, or expediency of the second 
war between the American Republic and the King- 
dom of Great-Britain, cannot be discussed in this 
place ; and it might be deemed arrogance to at- 
tempt it at all, at this period of time. The autho- 
rities who aione had power ^Ho declare War,''' made 
the declaration; and to the American people wcpg 



INTRODUCTIOIT. 17 

they responsible for the great and important meas- 
ure. 

It may not be inapposite to remark in this place, 
that a sijstematic opposition to government is un- 
known in every part of the civilized world, except- 
ing in America and in England. This does not arise 
from any deficiency of national feeling : for no two 
nations on earth are more devoted to national glory 
than Americans and Englishmen ; but it arises from 
that jealousy which intelligence and an exalted sense 
of liberty always produce in the ^ot'^r/?^^^ towards 
their governors. Having one common origin, but 
no longer any common interest, let the citizens of 
the American Republic, and the subjects of the 
British Monarch, judge for themselves which gov- 
ernment most consults the happiness of the people, 
and upon which side of the Atlantic the greatest 
freedom is enjoyed. 

Until the declaration of the last war, the energy 
of the American constitution had never been tested. 
Under its benign influence the people had suddenly 
arisen from infancy to manhood — from vassalage to 
freedom — from national penury to national wealth. 
Its provisions were found abundantly adequate for 
the government of a great and growing people in a 
stale of peace. The jealousy or the fears of the 
framers of this inimitable compact, had restricted 
the militarTj power. It permitted the Captain-Gen- 
eral of the militia of the United Stated, after proper 



18 INTRODUCTION". ~ 

advice, to call them into action, to ^^ execute t Fit' 
laws of the Ujiion — suppress insurrections — and re' 
pel invasions ;" and even this limited power be- 
came the subject of animated discussion. 

At the commencement of the war, we had no* 
thing that gave any idea oid, Standing Annjj. Six 
thousand troops dispersed over a country, half that 
number of miles in length and in width, presented 
nothing but the fractured skeleton of an army. The 
American militia^ although perhaps the best in the 
world, were organized by the different states ; from 
the different state governments derived their au- 
thority, and had different attachments and diff'er- 
ent interests. An hundred thousand of them were 
drafted by the national authority to hold themselves 
in readiness to take the field at a moment's warning. 
But the history of modern tactics shows that the 
trade of war is not learned in a moment. Fifty 
thousan<l Voluntiers were invited to enrol them- 
selves for the public defence; but the amount and 
efficiency of this species of force depended upon the 
opinion of the people in regard to the justice of the 
war, and of the rectitude of the administration. En- 
listmentSf from which alone an efficient army, for 
any considerable length of time, can be produced, 
were authorised. In some sections of the country, 
the best biood in them was aroused to patriotism, 
and the most distinLHiished citizens flew to the 
sUndard of the Republic. In others, it was con- 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

sidered a disgrace to aid, either by men or monei/, 
what was openly pronounced to be an ** unjust^ iin^ 
natural, wicked arid crvel 7var.'' 

From such discordant materials, was the Ameri- 
can army of 1812, and 1813, composed. Although 
the melancholy catalogue of disasters in the cam- 
paigns of those years, was occasionally gilded by 
achievements of resplendent glory ; yet, until the 
commencement of the campaign of 1814, the Ameri- 
can armies had added but few laurels to those ac- 
quired in the war of the revolution. A new era in 
the military history of America then commenced* 
As the gathering storm, which had, for two years, 
hung over what was deemed in Europe, the devo- 
ted Republic of America, increased in darkness and 
horror, the character of the rising generation of 
Americans developed itself. A ccnstellation of he- 
roes suddenly arose and illuminated the hemisphere 
of the western world. They conquered generals^ 
who had become familiar with victory in the old 
world — secured for their country the independence 
acquired in the revolution, and for themselves, 
fame, as lasting as immortality. 

Major-General ANDREW JACKSON, the sub- 
ject of the following' Memoirs, deservedly holds a 
distinguished rank amongst the veteran officers of 
the American Republic, in the last war. But while 
almost every American is anxious to join his indi- 
vidual note, to the harmonious concord of applause 



20 INTRODUCTION^. 

bestowed upon this distinguished chieftain, few 
know the arduous toils, the severe privations, and 
the excessive fatigues, by which he acquired his 
fame. The writer will endeavour, in a manner as 
perspicuous as he is able, to do it ; and from mate- 
rials of unquestionable authenticity, to present the 
reader, in the following volume, a brief Biography 
of this American Hero. If the delineations will not 
be so minute as they might be in a more volumi- 
nous work, it is hoped the prominent features of this 
great man's life and characte**, in his civil and mili- 
tary career, will be presented in their proper light 
and sha,de. 



MEMOIRS 

OP 

ANDREW JACKSON. 



His family, birth, and early pursuits — Enters into the army of the 
Revolution— is captured by the British- -resists as illegal order of 
a British officer — receives a wound, and is committed to gaol — loses 
his surviving brother— his mother dies of grief— he completes his 
literary studies. 

The birlh places of statesmen, heroes, and poets, 
have often been subjects of historical investigation, 
and not uofrequently of warm dispute. Seven 
cities of Greece claimed the honour of giving birth 
to Homer. The birth of illustrious men certainly 
imparts a consequence to the places of their nativity; 
and oftentimes the only consequence they possess. 
An English civilian will visit the birth place of Al- 
fred — the soldier that of Marlbobough — the ^06-^ 
those of Shakspeajie and Milton. Americans, 
although comparatively a new people, can scarcely 
travel in any section of their extensive Republic, 
but they can point to ihe place where some of its 
great benefactors were born. The catalogue would 
swell the volume. Among the first Statesmen in 



32 MEMOIRS OF 

the world, might be mentioned the members of the 
Old Congress — Among Heroes^ the officers of the 
Ari\iy of the Revolution — Among Poets, a con- 
stellation of geniuses, to wliom posterity will award 
the meed of praise. 

No sooner had ANDREW JACKSON began to 
achieve those deeds of valoiir which furnished a 
sure presage of future eminence, than Englishmen 
and Scotsmen^ claimed him as a native born subject. 
They once claimed Gen. Washington. Irishmen 
omitted to assert their claim to his nativity ; but 
he was of Irish extraction, although born in Ameri- 
ca. His srrandfather was one of the victims at the 
siege of Carrickfergus, in Ireland ; and all his an- 
cestors, being among the humbler classes of Irish- 
men, endured the sufferings which that ill-fated and 
oppressed people have long endured from some of 
the Irish nobility, born in the bosom of trhat coun- 
try ; and from English noblemen sent there to gov- 
ern them. 

His father, Andrew Jackson, emigrated to Ameri* 
ca, with his wife and two sons, in the year ITGa. 
Desirous that his rising family should escape from 
the oppression of the English government in Europe, 
became to this country as an asylum from the rod 
of abused power. He landed at Charleston, in the 
state of South- Carolina, and soon after estalWished 
himself at a settlement formerly called Wcuvsawy now 
the district of Marion. 



ANDREW JACKSO^% 23 

His youngest son, and the subject of these Me- 
moirs, was born at that [ilace, upon the I5th March, 
1767. He began to anticipate a happy close to the 
evening of his days in his own domestic circle, in a 
land of freedom. But before the British govern- 
ment commenced the same systematic oppression of 
their subjects in their American colonies, as they 
had long exercised over its subjects in Ireland^ death 
removed him from the storm which soon after be- 
gan to hang over them. He left an unprotected 
wife and three young children, to endure the buffet- 
ings of it. He died at near the close of the year 

irer. 

His surviving children, Hugh, Robert, and ^n- 
drejv, became the objects of the tender solicitude of 
their mother. Having a small patrimony left them, 
their mother, with unceasing assiduity, endeavoured 
to procure for them the rudiments of an English 
education. Situated in a country where she could 
claim connection with no human being but her three 
sons; the eldest but little advanced from infcmcy, 
and the youngest an infant, her situation required 
the highest exercise of female fortitude and vigi- 
lanc*e. But having recently emigrated from a coun- 
try w here the/<?7y roll in splendour through life, and 
the man?/ begin and end it amidst sufferings, she felt 
animated at the idea that she was in a country where 
the rod of the great, or what is worse, the r^j of the 
petty tyrant, could not reach her or her offspring. 



24 MEMOIRS ©r 

For a number of years, no event happened todis- 
(iirl) the tranquillity of this venera!)Ie matron or her 
children. By the judicious management of a small 
estate, she was enabled to aid her sons in the prose- 
cution of their studies. She omitted no opportu- 
nity to detail to them the tragical scenes through 
which their early ancestors had passed in Ireland, 
in the stubborn resistance they always maintained 
against oppression. The youthful reader of hi^tor?/, 
may be made to ^]qw with indignation at the tales 
of oppression. But the most pathetic description 
of the historian is tameness itself when compared 
with the relations of those who have themselves 
passed through the scenes of suilerings inflicted by 
dying man upon dying men. The narrations of 
Mrs. Jackson, must have aroused the feelings of her 
sons to I he highest pitch of enthusiasm against the 
tyrants who had blasted the hopes, and destroyed 
the lives of their ancestors. She little thought, per- 
haps, while she was infusing into the tender bosoms 
of her sons the ardour of patriotism, that she would 
live to see two of them fall victims in its holy cause. 

Hugh and Robert, not being designed for either of 
the learned professions, obtained no other education 
than what the common schools at that period aiiord- 
ed. Anj)revv, the youngest son, was, by his excel- 
lent mvither designed for the njinistry. In the W^ax- 
5rt7Z'^\tUen)ent, about forty miles from Camden, was 
established an academical institution, in which the 



' ANDREW JACKSOI?. '2b 

learned languages, and the higher branches of edu- 
cation, were taught. As the instructor of Andrew 
Jackson, if he be at this time in life, will rejoice in 
the celebrity of his pupil, it is but justice to remark 
that this academy, at the time he commenced hia 
literary pursuits, afforded the best means of instruc- 
tion in the section of the country in which he was 
born. The preceptor of it was a Mr. Humphriesy 
whose christian name is unknown to the writer. Un- 
der his tuition, the subject of these memoirs, having 
before enjoyed no other advantages than what the 
ordinary schools imparted, began the study of the 
classics. He here continued assiduously to pursue 
Ms studies, until the Vandal progress of the Britisii 
armies, in the revolutionary war, brought them to 
that part of South-Carolina, in which the family of 
Jackson were situated. 

Mrs. Jackson once more beheld the arm of British 
power uplifted in wrath over her adopted country, 
as s^he had before beheld it raised over the Und of 
her nativity. The American forces were compelled, 
in that section of the country, to retreat before a 
power which they could not then resist. Her eldest 
son had before enrolled himself in the armies of the 
Republic, and lost his life in its cause at the battle 
of Stono, Andrew had arrived to the age of fr.ur- 
teen years ; and, with his surviving brotiicr Robert, 
l^^as impelled, by the exalted sentiments of liberty 
C 



^6 MEMOIRS OF 

and independence which he had learned from hie 
mother, to fly to the American standard. 

The scanty details which are yet received of the 
revolutionary contest, deprives me of the pleasure 
of mentioning the regiment and tlie commander of 
it, in which Andrew Jackson commenced his mili- 
tary career at the early age of fourteen. Suffice it 
to say, that at that age, with his only brother, Ro- 
bert, he entered into the American service, prepar- 
ed, if such were the decrees of fate, to follow their 
elder brother into eternity in resisting tyrannical 
power. Effectual resistance, at that period, was 
impossible; and the slender forces of America, in 
South-Car olinat were compelled to retire before the 
formidable power of Lord Cornwallis^ into the in- 
terior of North-Carolina, This confident representa- 
tive of British power, finding no force at that time 
to resist him, left the country — leaving behind him 
the wide-spread tracks of desolation in every part 
of it. The once tranquil and happy settlers of Wax- 
saw returned to a place which was once a home. 
The deep marks of British rapacity were visible in 
every part of the settlement; and the effects of 
Vandal warfare were every where to be seen. 

Lord Rewden was in possession of Camden, and 
no sooner learned that the dispersed inhabitants of 
Waxsaw were again returned, than he availed him- 
self of the assistance of American tories to complete 
their extermination, A British major, by the name 



AKDREW JACKSON. ^7 

af Coffin, was the commander of this expedition. 
The inhabitants, who might all be said to belong- 
to the forlorn hope, determined to make at least a 
shew of resistance. They assembled at the WcLvsa?v 
meeting-house, to which was attached the academy 
of Mr. Humphries, in which Andrew Jackson had 
devoted himself to literature. Here they awaited 
the augmentation of their force by the arrival of 
their friends, and the expected approach of the ene- 
my. The hopes of this resolute and patriotic band 
of American heroes were elated at the distant ap- 
proach of a body of citizens. At this period, the 
American troops could hardly be said to have had 
an iimform ; but the well known insignia of the 
British troops enabled the people to designate them 
at sight. While the little phalanx of Waxsaw ex- 
pected to be joined by their friends, what was their 
astonishment when they found thems^'^^'*' «•"- "' 

ed by a ferocious clan of American tories, covered 
at a little distance by British dragoons? The con- 
quest was an easy one — resistance would have been 
desperation— eleven of the Americans were captur- 
ed, and the rest, among whom were Andrew Jack- 
son and his brother, escaped, and concealed them* 
selves in the adjoining forests. 

Although this is no place for reflections, yet no 
opportunity should be unimproved to express the 
ineffable contempt and utter detestation in which 
the toriesj in the revolutionary struggle, ought for 



38 IIEMOIRS OF 

ever to be holden. Had they merely joined ihc 
British standard through fear of its power, tliey 
Biis;ht at least have been entitled to contentptnoiis 
pity ; but when it is remembered that they imbru- 
ed their hands in the blood of their brethren, it 
would be a prostitution of charity to extend it to 
them. 

The next day after this affair at the Waxsaw 
church, many of the wandering heroes who escaped 
from it, were captured by the British dragoons j 
and antong them were Andrew Jackson and his 
brother Robert. Immediately after they were ta- 
ken prisoners, an event took place which developed 
the future character of Jackson; and shewed, that 
though a boy, he gave the world ** assurance of the 
man»" A British officer, having in pursuit of pris- 
oners soiled his boots, ordered him to clean them^ 
Plashed with JQdi^aatiQfl ^t the co.ojmaod, he de- 
cidedly refused to obey, and demanded the treat* 
ment due to a prisoner of war. Enraged at what 
would have excited the admiration of a generous 
bosom, the officer, with a drawn sword, made a 
violent pass at Jackson's head. Destitute of any 
weapon of defence, he parried the stroke with his 
hand, in which he received a severe wound. Thus 
early in life did Jackson become a soldier of the 
Republic and an unalterable enemy of Britain. It 
will be seen in the sequel how essentially he has 



ANDREW JACKSOlf. ^ 

served the one, aud how completely he has avenged 
the injuries he received from the other. 

Tlte gallant Jackson forgot the wound he received 
himself in his solicitude for his brother, who receiv- 
ed at the same time a much severer one in the head 
after he was taken prisoner. They were both com- 
mitted to gaol with their wounds undressed; and 
what would suffuse the cheek of a barbarian with a 
blush, they were deprived of the only consolation 
that remained— -that of sympathising with, and 
consoling each in their calamities — they were con- 
fined in different apartments ! They were here in- 
carcerated until exchanged for British prisoners, a 
few of whom were taken near Camden. The ex- 
change of these gallant youths was a presage to one 
of them to exchange worlds. The wound of Robert 
proved mortal ; not so much from its original seve- 
rity, as from the barbarous neglect of it while in 
prison. It occasioned an inflammation in the brain; 
and very soon after he obtained his freedom, death 
relieved him from one of the greatest calamities in- 
cident to man. The venerable mother, having la- 
boured incessantly for the relief of the American 
prisoners— having seen her prospects of temporal 
happiness totally blighted— disconsolate and broken 
hearted, she soon followed her second son into eter-* 
nity. She died near Charleston, S. C. 

Andrew Jackson, now a youth of fifteen, found 
himself alone in the world. With no being in the 



oQ MEMOIRS OF 

country in which he was born, could he claim afiiif- 
ity or relationship. His constitution was impaired 
by recent toiJ, and cruel imprisonment. The an- 
guish he felt at the fate of his whole family, must 
have been excruciating in the extreme. To make 
the full cup. of human calamity overflow, he was 
violently seized with the small pox, which brought 
him to the very jaws of death, and he narrowly es- 
caped the grave to which all his family had been 
consigned. 

The estate of his father was now in his sole pos- 
session. Although not large, it was sufficient, with 
that careful attention, and prudent calculation, 
which a man of mere monied business always un- 
derstands, to have enabled him to complete his edu- 
cation, and to have had a com[ftten6y remaining. 
But Andrew Jackson was not born for the counting- 
room; and never thought of those day-book and 
ledger calculations which are within the reach of 
the most moderate capacity ; but which often, and 
almost in^ariably^ divert the mind from the nobler 
pursuits of literary reputation and military fame» 
These had now become his objects. If he had had 
a discreet steward to manage his estate^ it would 
have been a pecuniary advantage unquestionably; 
but in his handsj it was a sort of incumbrance upon 
his mind ; and until it was removed, operated as a 
check upon its excursions. At this period of his 
life, he thought little of that independence in re- 



ANDREW JACKSO?^; 8,1 

gard to money, which the younger Lyttleton em- 
phatically pronounces *' the rock of life." With a 
profusion at which prudence would frown, and at 
which genius would smile, he reduced himself to a 
situation which compelled him to become — "^weV 
qiie Sim fortunes faber*'' — (in every situation the 
builder of his own fortune.) 

At about sixteen years of age, he returned to his 
literary pursuits ; making them however, as it would 
seem from his subsequent course, secondary to his 
paramount desire for a military life. His second 
instructor was a Mr. WCulloch. With him he re- 
newed the study of the languages, and other studies^ 
preparatory to his entrance at an university. His 
attention was by no means confined to the mere pre- 
scribed duty enjoined by his preceptor. He was 
not one of those unambitious pupils who concluded 
that enough was done when his lesson was commit- 
ted to memory ; and that he was a linguist and a 
mathematician, because he could distinguish be- 
tween a dactyl and a 5/>on<:/f^— between a single 
and a double equation. His studies were as diver- 
sified as the suggestions of his inclination ; and he 
ventured to explore those regions of literature to 
which his native genius pointed out the avenues. 
Such a course of study would never have made 
him a popular tutor in an university ; but it was^ 
calculated to m.ake him ^general, if not a particu- 
lar scholar. He continued his literary pursuits un- 



32 JIIEMOIRS OF 

til he arrived at the age of eighteen. Finding his 
patrimony diminished, from expenditures of it, he 
relinquished his intentions of entering an university. 
At the same time he relinquished his intentions, if 
he ever had any, of entering into " holy orders." 
It was the wish of his deceased mother, that he 
might liecome a minister of the gospel ; but. he was 
fully avrare that if he had been consecrated to that 
sacred profession, it would have rendered it incom- 
patible with his duties, to avenge, with his sword, 
the injuries he and his family had sustained from it. 
Andrew Jackson was brought into existence to dis- 
charge other duties than those which belong to the 
Eacred profession; and although the church may 
regret that he had not brought his splendid talents 
into its divine service ; (he state and the army may 
])oth acknowledge the services he has rendered 
them, not only with gratitude, but with admira- 
tiom 



ANDREW JACKSON, S3 



CHAPTER II. 

iucidcDts of early life — of Andrew Jackson'g— He commences and 
completes the study of law — Patriotism of American lawyers — He 
commences the practice of law, and emigrates to the South-West 
Territory — is appointed Attorney-General — member of the Tennes- 
see Convention — a Representative in Congress — a Senator in Con- 
gress—a Judge of the Supreme Court in Tennessee, and retires to 
private life. 

In the preceding chapter, the reader has been 
made acquainted with the origin of Andrew Jack- 
son — his early pursuits, and the most interesting in- 
cidents cf his juvenile years. It has been frequently 
remarked, and always with truth, that those who 
have distinguished themselves in the science of war, 
have discovered the bias of the mind to the profes» 
sion of arms in the early stages of life. The bi- 
ographies of the great military and naval characters 
of Europe, furnish numerous instances of the truth 
of this remark. At seventeen, Bonaparte^ a cadet 
in the military academy, in resentment of an allront, 
thrust his sword into a balloon, ready to ascend for 
the gratification of Louis XVI, whose throne he af- 
terwards occupied. Nelson^ at a still earlier period 
of life, encountend a bear upon the frozen ocean. 
So unhappily (deficient are fbe biographical sketch- 
es of American worthiesj that the present generation 



Z4 aiEMoms ot 

know little of the gigantic statesmen and heroes who 
lived in the last. The truth of the remark is estab- 
lished as it relates to Washington and Putnam* 
The first, in early life, discovered the cool and regu- 
lated courage of a great commander ; and the last, 
at twelve, when visiting Boston for the first time, 
encountered and conquered an enemy doiil)]t hm 
age and size. He also in youth ** carried the ring''^ 
at gymnastic exercises, and destroyed a wolf in hrs 
den, at the hazard of his own life. The incident 
mentioned of Jackson, is evincive of his whole char- 
acter — he resisted the exercise of unauthorised 
power in a British officer, and demanded justice for 
himself and his fellow prisoners. When it is con- 
sidered that the power of the British army was at 
that time irresistible— that the tories were nume- 
rous — that they violated all the rules of civilized 
warfare, and that Jackson was less than fourteen 
years of age, and subject to all their cruelty anc! 
ferocity, his firmness excites admiration. 

In irsi, he commenced the study of law under 
the instruction and direction of Spruce iSVCatj, Esq. 
at Salisbury, North-Carolina. It is but justice ^o 
the profession of law, to remark, that among its 
members in America and England, have always 
been found the most energetic advocates of the 
rights of the people. As a corrupt ministry have 
encroached upon the constitutional rights of the 
l^eople, English and Irish advocates have thrown a 



AjrbnEW JACKSON. So 

shield before the designated victims of niinisterial 
vengeance, and persuaded juries to save their fel- 
low men from Botany Bay and the gibbet. The 
names of Erskine and Gibbs are dear io English- 
men — Curran and Grattan to Irishmen. 

At the commencement of the revolution, the 
members of the American bar, almost without ex- 
ception, arranged themselves upon the side of their 
country; and by their examples, as well as their 
eloquence, aroused the sacred flame of patriotism 
in the bosoms of their oppressed countrymen. Their 
conduct drew from the eloquent Burke, one of his 
finest encomiums, in the British house of commons. 
To their honour let it be said, that at the com- 
mencement of the last war, which secured the inde- 
pendence acquired by the army of the revolution, 
"they again espoused the cause of the Republic* 
They not only thundered defiance to our inveterate 
enemy in the Senate, but many placed themselves 
in the embattled ranks of their countrymen. A 
number of them fell victims to their courage, whose 
memories will for ever be cherished ^ — a number of 
them still survive, and still grace the army of the 
Kepublic. A Jackson, a Macomb, a Gaines, a 
Scott, and a Ripley, will not suffer by a compari- 
son with the first soldiers in the universe, and it is 
believed they were all members of the bar when 
they entered the army. Mr. Jackson completed 
the study of the law with John Stokes, Esquire, and 



t>6 McaioiRS or 

was licensed as a practitioner in 1786. He'present- 
ed himself at the bar at an age when most students 
commence the study of law. The part of the coun* 
try in which he was situated, afforded but a slender 
prosprvt of success; but while it prevented liim 
from enjoying the profits of the practice, it enabled 
him to become more familiar with the tkeori/ of the 
law. 

In 178S, the course of emigration was from the 
Atlantic states to the waters of the Mississippi. The 
present state of Tennessee was then a territorial gov- 
ernment of the United States, called the South-We&t 
Territonj, having been recently organized by Con- 
gress. The climate was salubrious, the soil was fer- 
tile, and it was rapidly emerging from a wilderness 
state, to a state of civilization Mr. Jackson, with 
that spirit of adventure which is in him a striking 
characteristic, resolved to leave a country which 
offered but few inducements to detain him in it. 

The honourable Judge AVNr-inj was appointed 
judge of this territory in ITSS, and was accompani- 
ed by Mr. Jackson to Nashville, at which place they 
arrived in October of that year, when the firsi su- 
preme court was holdcn. He here found himself 
among a people entirely different in manners, cus- 
toms, and habits, from those he had recently left. 
In the older 'states, where one generation of inhabit- 
ants have followed anothf^'- in regular succession, 
there are always some distinguishing characteristics 



ANDREW JACKSON. 6i 

in the whole population. But in the new states, the 
traveller of observation can hardly discover any es- 
tablished character in the people, but that of energy 
and j>ersonal independence. In those parts of the 
Ilepuhlic which have been settled for two centuries, 
a family, a monied, or a landed aristocracy, can al« 
Ways be discovered. The many become subjeerv ient 
to the (ew^ and subju2;ate tht^ir minds to those who 
by wealth or power, have obtained the ascendancy 
over them. In such a state of society, an insulated 
beisg, like Andrew Jackson, without the influence 
of friends to aid him, or without funds to procure 
them, can hardly hope, with the most gigantic pow- 
ers, to place himself in eligi!)!e circumstances. Far 
otherwise is the case in the new states. Drawn to- 
gether from diiferent sections of our extensive coun- 
try, from motives of interest, of power, or of fame, 
each individual may almost be said to make a pro- 
vince by himself. In such a situation, the most en- 
ergetic character becomes the object of the greatest 
popular favour. In this sphere was Jackson exactly 
calculated to move. Without any extrinsic advan- 
tages to promote his advancement, he had to rely 
solely upon intrinsic worth and decision of character, 
to enable him to rise rapidly with a rapidly rising 
people. 

The place of his nativity could not be recollected 
witliout the most distressing association of ideas. 

His whole family, excepting his father, who may be 
D 



38 MEM0IRS OF 

said to have died a natural death, there fell victims 
to the ruthless barbarity of the British soldiery, who 
carried on an unnatural war against their o\v n coun- 
trymen, in their own colonies. The attachment to 
homCi which may be said to constitute a part of 
our nature, must have been alienated from the bo- 
som of Jackson. In the Waxsaw seMleriient, S.C. 
he had his birth — there he was a sad spectator of 
the extinction of his whole family; and there he all 
but lost his own life. To him, the plain of Waxsaiv^ 
with all its charms, must have been as cheerless as 
that of Golgotha to the ancients. 

He commenced the practice of law in the South- 
West Territory, at the age of little more than twen- 
ty-one years; and although the district contained 
many aspiring young men who had already emigra- 
ted there to share the honours of the new govern- 
ment, and the profits of business, Mr. Jaclson soon 
rendered himself distinguished among those who 
were " themselves conspicuous there.^^ 

The unyielding integrity of his character, and 
his unceasing attention to business, soon introduced 
him to the notice of the government; and he was 
appointed Attorney-General of the territory. This 
office he continued to sustain, with great reputation 
to himself, and with essential advantage to the dig- 
nified and impartial administration of justice for 
many years. 



Al^DREW JACKSON. S9 

In 1796, the South- West Territory was admitted 
as a sovereign and independent state into the Ameri- 
can Union, by the name of the State of Tennessee ; 
being the sixteenth star that was added to the 
American Constellation. The citizens were called 
upon to exercise the first great act of self-govern- 
ment-— that of forming a constitution as the su- 
preme Jaw of the state. Mr. Jackson was chosen a 
member of the convention called to discharge this 
iiuportant duty. Although he had become known 
to the most distinguished citizens of the country, 
his exertions in this convention, brought him into 
more universal notice, by the laborious part he took 
in the. interesting discussions upon this momentous 
subject. The course of his studies had previously 
led him to investigate minutely the subject of gov- 
ernment, from the earliest ages down to the close of 
the eighteenth century. With the rise, progress 
and termination of the ancient Republics, he had 
made himself familiarly acquainted. He had wit- 
nessed the operation of the American Constitution, 
and those of the diiTerent states, for a number of 
years. With a ruind thus prepared to meet the im- 
portant discussion, he took the lead in the debates 
upon the dfiTerent articles of the proposed constitu- 
tion. To those who are acquainted with the consti- 
tution of the state of Tennessee, it will be seen with 
what precision the Legislative, the Executive, and 
Judiciary powers are designated — with what care 



:tO ilEMOlRS OF 

the civil rights of the people are secured — and with 
what unlimited freedom the rights of conscience 
may be enjoyed. 

The people of Tennessee, as a mark of the confi- 
dence they placed in Mr. Jackson, elected him their 
first representative in the Congress of the United 
States. He was a new member of the national le- 
gislature, and was surrounded by a body of states- 
men who have scarcely been equalled, and certainly 
never have been excelled, since the adoption of the 
American Constitution. If, owing to that modesty 
N\hich is always a concomitant vrith real greatness, 
he did not immediately shine, his coustituenis, the 
next year, (1797",) raised him to the high and re- 
sponsible station of a Senator of Congress. It was 
during: his congressional life, that the two great po- 
litical parties of the Republic were in array against 
each other. He was a Republican; and of course 
in the minority. Although no man ever more cheer» 
fully submitted to authority when properly exerci- 
sed, yet he never could be brought to be a minor 
actor in the plots of political intrigue — ^and to be a 
leader in political machinations, his habits and prin- 
ciples rendered him totally unqualified. He resign- 
ed his seat in the senate iii ITOQ, and returned to 
Tennessee, with the government of which he had 
now become identified. 

He was now called upon to discharge the duties 
of an important office under the constitution aad 



AN'DJIEW JACKSON. 



41 



laws of the state, in the establishment of which he 
had taken so important a part. In 1799, he was 
appointed a judge of the supreme court. This 
appointment was bestowed upon him without his 
knowledge, contrary to his wishes, and very much 
opposed to his inclination. After discharging the 
duties of it for a short period, he resigned it, and 
retired to his delightful real estate upon the banks 
of the Cumberland river, where for a number of 
years he enjoyed, in the bosom of his family, that 
domestic felicity which is always produced by at- 
tachment for private w^orth, mingled with respect 
for dignity of character. From the citizens with 
whom he was located, he invariably received every 
demonstration of respectful attachment, and grateful 
acknowledgment, which a people in the enjoyment 
of temporal felicity, usually bestow upon the bene- 
factor who had secured it for them. In Mr. Jack- 
son, although he had scarcely reached the middle 
age of life, the people recognized a political father, 
who had ever discovered more solicitude for their 
political rights, and individual happiness, than for 
his own emolument or aggrandizeraenta 



D 2 



4:2 WEMOins Of^ 



CHAPTER III. 

Mr. Jackson's career in civil life — Commencement of his military ca» 
reer — Major-General of Tennessee Militia — Militia forces — Ameri- 
can Savages — Reason for their liatied and vengeance against Anglo- 
Americans — Religious fanaticism among them — The Prophet Fran- 
cis^ and his brother Tecumseh — Effect of their assumed divinity — 
Tender of Gen. Jackson, and his Volunteers, to the Government of 
tbe United States, 

At the close of the last chapter, the reader found 
the subject of these memoii-s in a situation, above all 
others the best calculated for the enjoyment of tem- 
poral felicity — with an estate abundantly competent, 
without being so overgrown as to excite solicitude — 
in a family circle, where every aifectionate sentiment 
was cordially reciprocated, and surrounded by ex- 
tensive acquaintances, who loved him for his affa- 
bility, respected him for his dignity, and venerated 
him for his exalted patriotism. 

Hitherto the attention of Mr. Jackson had been 
almost exclusively confined to the pursuits of civit 
life. Although the duties of it are oftentimes ardu- 
ous, and the difficulties sometimes inextricable, yet 
he had moved through it with incalculable benefit 
to his country, and with undivided approbation to 
himself. The history of our country scarcely affords 
an instance of an individual, who has, so early in 



ANDREW JACKSON^. 43 

life, been called to fill so many important offices in 
such rapid succession. At twenty-two, attorney- 
general of a district — at twenty-nine, member of 
converiSIn to form a constitution — at the same age, 
a representative in congress — at thirty, a senator in 
congress, and at thirty-two a judge of the supreme 
court of an independent state. 

Thus far in life, Mr. Jackson had reaped a rich 
reward for his devotion to his country, in the ap- 
plause bestowed upon him by his countrymen. Had 
he been disposed to have lived in his delightful re- 
tirement, and to have been a spectator of the suffer- 
ings his fellow-citizens were called to endure from a 
Christian and a savage foe, he would indeed have 
ended his days without the splendid glory which if? 
«o;y attached to his name; yet he would have also 
escaped from the acrimonious censure and illiberal 
abuse of those who envy him his reputation, and 
vainly endeavour to rob him of his hard earned 
fame. 

However brilliant has been the career of Mr. 
Jackson in civil life, it is almost forgotten by the 
renown he has acquired by military achievements. 
To the great mass of his countrymen, he is known 
onl^ as a distinguished military character. It wilt 
be the object of the remaining part of this work 
to present the reader with a view of his military 
career. 

The same year that the state of Tenaessce was 



4^ MEMOIRS OF 

admitted into the Union, (ITOG,) Mr. Jackson was 
appointed major-general of the militia of that state. 
As the whole of its militia was then embraced in 
one division, Gen. Jackson was the actual c|i|imand- 
er in chief of the whole military force of the state; 
as it is unusual for the governors of the states, who 
are ^.r-q^c/^, captain-generals, to command in per- 
son. But for many years before the commencement 
of the last war, the command of a major-general 
was rather nominal than r^a/ — a whole division be- 
ing seldom called out together. But upon Gen. 
Jackson the people depended for an efficient organi- 
zation of their military force. 

Without derogating at all from the high repu- 
tation of the militia of the American Republic, pro- 
bably the most efficient in the world, the history of 
our country will justify the renmrk, that it is a spe- 
cies of force that cannot be relied upon, excepting 
in sudden emergencies. In the revolutionary war,, 
notnithstanding the imperfections of their organi- 
zation, they certainly aided essentially in establish- 
ing our independence. But how often, during that 
portentous period, was the Commander in Chief, and 
other commanders, left with an handful of *' Conti- 
nental Troops," to wander through a country where 
a regiment of militia could scarcely be raised, to take 
the held for any length of time ? They might be 
brought, from the principles of self-preservation, to 
defend their home, and to repel an enemy from tli^fr 



ANDREW JACKSON. 45 

immediate neighbourhood, but could with difficulty 
be brought to follow the apparently desperate for- 
tune of the Chief to a distant portion of the country. 
Had not the "Continental Army'' been organized, 
and been brought to consider themselves as solid iers 
of the whole American Ptepu})lic — Cornwaltis might 
have ultimately surrendered — but it is doubtful 
whether Washington would have conquered him in 
1781. At the commencement of the last war, the 
militia of the United States had enjoyed a period of 
peace for thirty years. The acts of Congress, and 
of the individual states, made every possible saluta- 
ry provision to give to that force respectability and 
efficiency. This body then consisted of eight hun- 
dred thousand men ; an hundred thousand of whom 
were drafted for the service of the United States; 
The collisions between the state governments and 
that of the Union — the jealousies between the ofli- 
cers of the army and those of the militia, are within 
the recollection of every reader; but the detail be- 
longs more properly to The History of the Second 
War between the American Republic and the Kmg» 
domof Great- Britain iihdin to The Memoirs of Major-* 
General Jackson. 

In 1812, Gen. Jackson, being still major general 
of the Tennessee militia, was called by the dictates 
of. patriotism, and his ardent love of his country, to 
espouse its cause in the field, as he had spent much 
of his life in advocating its interests in ih^ cabinets 



) 



46 MEMOIRS OF 

With the sagacity of a statesman, and with the feel- 
ings of a patriot, he had long seen a storm gathering 
over his beloved country. He had seen one Repub* 
lie after another fall in Europe, before the tremen- 
dous power of the " Allied Sovereigns.'* He had 
seen the best and the last hopes of man blasted and 
almost annihilated in Europe, by the uplifted arm of 
despotic po\yer. He had seen the British govern- 
ment, from the commencement of the Pitt admin- 
istration, to that period, the head of this *' holy 
alliance" offensive and defensive against the rights 
of man. He had seen that power, from year to 
year, encroaching upon the independence which the- 
American RcpuJilic compelled them to acknowledge 
in 1783. He had seen the pacifis policy of the 
American government, resortirjg to negociation 
after negociation, met by the increasing insolence 
of the arrogant court of St. James. He had not 
only seen, but he and the people of Tennessee had 
for many years felt, the effect of British and Span- 
ish influence over the Creek, the most ferocious and 
warlike tribe of Indians upon the continent. For 
many years this tribe carried on a predatory war- 
fare against the settlements of Tennessee, especially 
upon the Cumberland river, upon which Gen. Jack- 
et son resided. He and the people, without any aid 
" from the general government, had defended them« 
selves from the frequent incursions of this insidious 
and barbarous foe. In this way the people of Tea? 



nessee had learned the horrors of Indian warfare 
from their own sufferings. ^ 

The history of the world scarcely furnishes a par- 
allel with the sufferings of the Europeans upon the 
continent of America. Nor does it furnish a paral- 
lel with the injuries which the native Americans 
have sustained from Europeans. The conquest of 
South America, by the Spaniards, was marl^ed with 
more sanguinary violations of the rights of humani- 
ty, than any conquest from tliat of Canaan to the 
nineteenth century of the Christian era. As little as 
we know of its blood-stained history, we have, from 
infancy, wept over the calamities of the Tnca$ of 
Peru, and of the countless legions of their unhappy 
subjects. Through the eye of history, we see the 
powerful agents of his most Catholic majesty arrive 
among these happy natives. With an exterminating 
sword in one hand, and with the w^ord of God in 
the other, these early missionaries demanded the 
irr^mediate conversion of a wliole people to Chris- 
tianity. The artless sons of nature, wlio supposed 
the most splendid object was the fittest one to be 
adored, ofiered their adoration to the Sun. They 
could not adore an invisible being, who maue no im- 
pression upon their s^w^e-^. An army with the wea- 
pons of destruction and death, was ready to aid the 
priesthood in the work of conversiori. One Inca, 
fell with his nation after another, with their inex- 
haustible treasures, into the hands of Christian 



48 MEMOIRS ©F 

Si^aniards, and at Ihis time the ahorigines of S. 
America scarcely have an existence. 

In North America, the acquisitions of Europeans 
VTre attended with circumslances less bloody; but 
the natives were compelled by arms, or by contracts 
enforced by them, to retire as they advanced in 
settlements. The tomahawk and the arrow, were 
feeble, cojnpared with fire arms and briyonets. Al- 
though they were compelled to surrender their ter- 
ritory, their native pride and heroic courage was 
never subjuc?;ated. They retired before their con- 
quen»rs ; and as their territory was wrested from 
tliem by fraud, or by force, and as their numbers 
were diminished by disease, and by war, their 
vengeance against their spoilers increased. But 
one sentiment prevailed among them from the Isth- 
mus of Darien to the North- West coast — from the 
Atlontic to the Western ocean. The broken rem- 
nants of some few tribes have indeed been brought 
to bury the hatchet ; but they never have been, and 
probably never will be, cordially reconciled to the 
white population. The hostile savages by priva- 
tions the most severe, by tortures the ruost cruel, 
and by deaths the most horrible, still wreak their 
vengeance upon the descendants of those who first 
invaded their native soil. 

In al)out the year 1810, a ])lind religious fanati- 
cism was added to the natural feiocity of the Amer- 
ican savages. A Prophet arose among them, ar^d 



ANDREW JACKS6N. 49 

claimed divine power, derived directly from the 
Great Spirit. This immense accession to human 
power, was no less calculated to fascinate savages, 
than it ever has been to excite the veneration of that 
part of mankind who claim to be civilized. The 
American savage Francis, had as many claims to 
the character and inspiration of Prophet, as the Asi- 
atic civilian Mahomet ; and had he possessed equal 
power to laake conquests and converts, under the 
banners of divinity, he might hereafter have had as 
many followers. But Gen. Harrison disrobed him 
of his divinity at Tippacanoe, in 1811, and his 
brother Tccumseh, fled to the southern tribes upon 
the Alabama, early in the year 1812, to inspire the 
savages there, to act in concert with their red breth- 
ren in the north. ' But nothing inspired the Creek, 
Alabama, and Seminole Indians so much as British 
and Spanish gold, British muskets, and British pro- 
mises. With their hereditary hatred against Ameri- 
cans, (or the dtizens of the United States,) added 
to the enthusiasm excited by Tecumseh, and the 
liberal aid of the British and Spanish governments, 
these powerful tribes, at the commencement of the 
last war, were prepared to spread havotf, devasta- 
tion, torture and death, among the Americans who 
bordered upon their territory. * ' 

The states of Tennessee and Georgia, from their 
vicinity to the immense country inhabited by the 

Creeks, were more immediately exposed to the hor- 
E 



50 MEMOIRS OP 

rid ravages of Indian warfare. Familiarized to 
their unrelenting barbarity, the citizens of Georgia 
and Tennessee were fully aware, that nothing but a 
war of extermination against the Creeks, would pro- 
tect their own settlements on the frontiers, from de- 
struction, and their families from wanton barbarity. 
Tecumseh had, by his art, his eloquence, and his 
assumed divinity, infused into the Creek nation the 
most implacable hatred against the Americans. He 
addressed himself to their pride, by reminding 
them of the ancient power of the savages, and the 
boundless extent of their territory. He aroused 
their vengeance against Americans, as the people 
who had reduced their numbers, and diminish- 
ed their greatness. He censured them for any con- 
formity, in any respect, to the Americans, and ex- 
horted them, upon the dreadful penalty of the dis- 
pleasure of the Great Spirit, to return wholly to the 
savage state. The preaching of Saint Bernard and 
Peter the Monk, had not a greater effect upon the 
Christians of Europe, when they exhorted them to 
raise a crusade against the infidels, than did that of 
Tecumseh upon the Creek, the Alabama, and Semi- 
nole Indians. A complete concert was established 
between all the southern tribes, and a general con- 
cert between them* and the northern onesc War 
clubs were every where distributed — but the most 
profound secrecy was enjoined. Tecumseh had war- 
ranted the interposition of the Great Spirit^ and, 



ANDREW JACKSON. '51 

what he had much better authority for doing, that 
of Great-Britain, in favour of the savages. 

The confidence of the savages in the success that 
would attend them and their Christian allies, the 
British, was effectually confirmed. It was an estab- 
lished principle with them to give no quarters, nor 
to ask any. Pursuant to this system, they had, be- 
fore the commencement of the last war, murdered 
many families upon the frontiers of Georgia and 
Tennessee, and seemed resolved to extirpate the 
Americans, or be exterminated themselves. 

This brief sketch may be deemed a digression ; 
but I considered it necessary to prepare the mind 
of the reader for the succinct account which will 
follow, of the part taken by Gen. Jackson in the 
sanguinary war carried on by him and the gallant 
army under his command against the Creeks. 

The act of Congress, of 1812, authorising the 
raising of a volunteer corps', of fifty thousand men, 
to serve one year within trvo years after they were 
organized, induced Gen. Jackson to address the 
gallant sons of Tennessee belonging to his division. 
Perhaps no man in the American Republic could 
address his fellow-citizens with more confidence of 
success, than Gen. Jackson — certain it is that nd 
once addressed them so successfully. In a very 
short time, he found his standard, at Nashville^ sur- 
rounded by twenty.five hundred men, among whom 
were many of the first families and of the greatest 



^2 MEMOIKS OF 

fortunes. It was not that wordy and paper patriot- 
ism which filled many of the journals of the day 
with inflated resolutions, pledging to the Republic 
the *' lives, fortune, and honour^* of those who pas- 
sed them. These men came in person to serve their 
country, rather than in a town-meeting to resolve 
that they would do it. Gen. Jackson voluntarily 
efFered his service to his country, instead of solicit- 
ing an office from its government. The General and 
his army of volunteers, made a tender of their ser- 
vices to government, and in November, 1812, were 
accepted, and became a part of the national force. 

When this corps of volunteers was organized, 
they little thought, perhaps, what arduous duty 
would be allotted to them ; and had they antici- 
pated it, the glory they afterwards acquired, would 
hardly have been thought a sufficient reward for 
the excessive fatigues and hazards they endured in 
acquiring it. Their achievements shall be recorded 
with scrupulous regard to accuracy, and their aber- 
rations from duty shall be mentioned with all the 
delicacy that is consistent with truth. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 53 



CHAPTER IV. 

Gen. JacksoH and Tennessee Volunteers— Importance of the river 
Mississippi— Mr. Monroe's solicitude for the security of it, and the 
Western States— Volunteers rendezfous at Nashville, Tenn.— de- 
scend the Ohio and Mississippi— encamp at Natchez— Order for 
their discharge from Mr. Armstrong— disobeyed by Gen. Jackson — 
Volunteers return to Tennessee, and are discharged— Approbation 
of the government. 

The avidity and promptitude with which the 
large and respectable Corps of Tennessee Volun- 
teers resorted to the standard of their beloved 
and respected commander, Andrew Jackson, was a 
sure presage of the gallantry with which they would 
support the independence, rights, and honour of the 
Republic against a savage and implacable foe upon 
the borders of their native state, and against the 
most powerful and veteran nation in Europe, now 
in alliance with them. 

At the commencement of the last war, it was im- 
possible for the government to determine upon what 
part of our extended sea- board the naval forces of 
Britain would first attempt to make a demonstra- 
Hon; or upon what part of our frontier its armies 
would attempt to invade our territory. The im- 
mense importance of the command of the Missis- 
sippi, and its tributary streams, could not escape 
E 2 



54 BiEMoms Of 

the attention of either the American or British 
governments. Every exertion therefore of the one 
to retain, and of the other to acquire it, might well 
be expected. The lower states and territories situ- 
ated upon this important river, attracted the early 
attention of government, and induced the most effi- 
cient measures for their defence. 

Mr. Monroe, for some time previous, and during 
the whole war, was a member of the American 
cabinet. As ambassador of the American Republic 
at the court of France, he had negociated the 
treaty for the accession of Louisiana to the United 
States; and must have felt a deep solicitude in the 
rising importance of the Western States. He was 
aware, that without the command of the Mississippi, 
they would lose their future importance, and be at 
present subjected to the rapacity of British soldiery, 
and the horrors of savage warfare. Although the 
war department, until the campaign of 1814, was 
not under his immediate control, and although he 
was not directly implicated in the disasters of those 
of 1812, and 1813 ; he nevertheless, as one of the 
first officers in the cabinet, felt a high degree of 
responsibility. In regard to the Mississippi river, 
as he may almost be said to have acquired it for his 
country, he must have felt a deep interest in secur^ 
ing the incalculable benefits arising to the Republic, 
especially to the Western States^ from the exclusive 
command of it. 



ANDREW JACKSON. SB 

The Tennessee voliinlTiers, under the command 
of Gen. Jackson, at the close of the year 1812, 
were ordered to proceed down the Ohio and Missis- 
sippi, for the defence of the lower states against an 
expected attack of the Britisii forces. The deep 
laid plot of the Indians already mentioned, was not 
yet ready for execution ; nor were the American 
settlers exposed to their immediate ravages, excited 
to make any but the ordinary preparations of de* 
fence against these insidious, cruel, and infernal 
enemies. The Creeks were apparently indifferent 
spectators to the contest which had now commenced 
between the American Republic, and the kingdom 
of Great Britain. 

At the beginning of the year 1813, Gen. Jackson 
and his fine corps of Tennessee volunteers, having 
previously rendezvoused at Nashville, in Tennes- 
see, situated upon the south bank of Cumberland 
river, prepared to execute the orders received to 
descend the Ohio and Mississippi. Although situa- 
ted in a mild and salubrious climate, enduring but 
little severity in comparison with the more frigid 
regions of the northern states, the country at this 
time was covered with snow, and the navigation of 
the Ohio and Missibsippi was obstructed and ren- 
dered difficult and hazardous by ice. 

The volunteers had thus far enjoyed the anima- 
ting splendour of military life, but were yet unac- 
quainted with its toils, fatigues, and privations. 



56 MEMOIRS OF 

Upon the Tth January, 1813, headed in person by 
a leader whom they esteemed as an accomplished 
commander, and an affectionate guardian, they com- 
menced an expedition, in which they hoped to ren- 
der essential service to their country, which they 
loved better than they did their lives, and to acquire 
for themselves the reputation of patriotic soldiers. 
Animated by the example of Gen. Jackson, they 
endured the hardships of a long and tedious passage, 
without a murmur, and submitted to the discipline 
indispensably necessary in an army, without the 
least appearance of insubordination. They arriv- 
ed at Natchez^ about three hundred miles above 
New-Orleans, where they were ordered to rendez- 
vous until further orders. 

Gen. Jackson having selected the most judicious 
situation for the encampment of his army, here 
commenced the arduous and difficult duty of chang- 
ing citizens to soldiers. The Tennessee volunteers 
had seen nothing of military life, except the easy 
and pleasurable duty usually performed by militia 
in time of peace, and occasional excursions against 
small parties of savages. Had they enlisted into 
the army of the Republic, received a liberal bounty 
from its treasury, and been certain of regular pay- 
ment of wages while in service, and a valuable tract 
of land when discharged ; a cheerful submission to 
military discipline might have been expected, and 
a necessary one enforced. These patriotic volun- 



ANDREW JACKSON. dF 

teers thought little of a pecuniary reward ; but 
were inspired, by the impulse of patriotism, to be- 
0ome disciplined sojdiers out of principle. 

But no sooner had they began to learn the duties 
of the camp, and to acquire the science of war, 
than an order from the war department was receiv- 
ed by Gen. Jackson, commanding him to ^^ dismiss 
Ms volunteers, and deliver all public pr ope rti/ in his 
possession to Major-Gene ral Wilkinson^** then com- 
manding the military district in which -hey were 
stationed. Mr. Armstrong was then Secretary at 
War. It is not for the historian or the biographer 
to inquire into motives, or to impeach them; but 
when the fact is stated that this oidor bore date the 
5th of January, 1813, two days be/ore Gen; Jack- 
son moved with his forces from Nashville, and was 
not received until sometime after he established his 
cantonment at Natchez, almost five hundred miles 
below, the reader may well exclaim, in the language 
of the Prince of the Drama — " there is a spirit in 
the affairs of Hate, which nor tongue, nor pen can 
give expressure to^ 

A compliance with this order would have b^en 
an abandonment of his corps. Although among 
them were many men poFsessed of ample funds and 
adequate means to travel half a thousand miles to 
their homes, yet they little thought, when they en- 
tered the service of their country, that they should 
be so soon compelled to expend their wealth, as 



^. 



58 MEMOIRS OF 

well as expose their lives and health in its defence. 
A very great number were wholly destitute of the 
means of subsistence, and depended wholly upon 
the public stores in their possession for the support 
of life while in camp, and upon their return march 
through a country, either very thinly inhabited or 
a w iiderness. A third class were in a situation still 
more deplorable ; indeed in a state of absolute des- 
titution — destitute of health, destitute of resources, 
and, as a general consequence, destitute of hope. 
The sick list numbered between one hundred and 
fifty and two hundred ; many of whom were lan- 
guishing under extreme debility. 

It is difficult to conceive of a situation more dis- 
tressing and responsible than that in which Gen. 
Jackson was placed by this order from Mr. Arm- 
strong. Obedience to it, would have been casting 
most of his patriotic followers upon a pityiess world 
in an inclement season, and destitute of resources- 
disobedience of the order would subject him to mil- 
itary punishment, unless the peculiar circumstan- 
ces of the case should be deemed sufficient to ex- 
cuse him from the operation of military law. Af- 
ter consultation with his officers, who, at first, ac- 
corded with him in opinion, he assured the Secre- 
tary at War, that the order would be disregarded ; 
and that a sufficient quantity of the public stores 
would be retained to aid his volunteers in returning 
to their homes. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 59 

Gen. Wilkinson was advised of the order of the 
war department, and of the determination of Gen. 
Jackson in regard to it. Clothed with the authori- 
ty of the government — commanding one of the 
most extensive military districts in the Republic — 
anxious to augment his stores, and increase the 
number of his own troops, he endeavoured to inti- 
midate Gen. Jackson into obedience of the order, 
by forewarning him of the alarming consequences 
to himself of disobedience. Some of his own offi- 
cers retracted their first decision, and advised a 
compliance with the order. Even the quarter- 
master endeavoured to compel him to the measure, 
by omitting to take the necessary steps preparatory 
to the commencement of the return march. Cool, 
collected, and unembarrassed. Gen. Jacl^son now 
took counsel from his own judgment, and the re- 
sponsibility of his conduct upon his otvn head ; know- 
ing, that if called to do it, he could justify him- 
self before any forum, excepting one that had pre- 
judged his case. He gave orders for breaking up 
the encampment, and for commencing the move- 
ment which was to conduct his volunteers to the 
place of original rendezvous ; and gave it in such 
a manner, and accompanied it with such acts, as 
to convince all, that from this decision there was no 
appeal. 

The gloom and dejection which pervaded this 
corps, when the order from the war departaient was 



-^ 



6d MEMOIRS OF 

received, was converted to the exhilirafion of joy 
when the determination of their general Mas made 
known. The wagons were used for the transporta- 
tion of the sick ; and even the horses of the general 
and his staff were cheerfully surrendered for that 
purpose when necessary. During a march of near- 
ly five hundred miles, Gen. Jackson evinced, by 
his uniform conduct, that although his situation 
compelled him to act as a soldier, ** he felt like a 
man.^* To the high respect which was at all times 
felt by the Tennessee volunteers for Gen. Jackson, 
was now added the most ardent attachment. 
They almost forget the dignity of the general, in 
the more amiaMe and endearing qualities of the 
patron and the friend. Tiiis corps, having endur- 
ed the privations of the camp, and the fatigues of 
marching and counter-marching, without having 
7jet acquired any of the laurels which are reaped 
in the field of battle, were discharged about the 1st 
of May, 1813. But the ardent patriotism, regula- 
ted by a spirit of subordination, which they shewed 
in this first scene of military life, justified the high 
expectation which was entertained of them, and 
which was afterwards so amply gratified by their 
splendid military achievements. 

The course pursued by Gen. Jackson in regard 
to Mr. Armstrong's order, and the volunteers, may 
meet with the animadversion of the mere officer, 
who acquired his knowledge of tactics from books. 



ANDREW JACKSON, 61 

and his ideas of subordination from reading the ar- 
ticles of war; but his conduct was approbated by 
the administration, and the whole expenses of the 
expedition paid out of the public treasury. The 
military ardour of Gen. Jackson was not damped 
by the critical and even dangerous circumstances 
in which he had recently been placed — dangerous, 
more from the machinations of official intrigue, 
than from the open enemies of the country. The 
first he had too much magnanimity even to sus- 
pect — the last he had courage enough to face in 
every possible situation. 



f 



62 MEMOIRS OF 



CHAPTER V. 

Approbation and censure of Gen. Jackson — implacable hostility of 
savages increased by British and Spanish emissaries, and British 
ravages — Indian massacre of garrison, women and children, at 
Fort Mimms— Expedition from Tennessee against Creeks prepar- 
ed — Gen. Jackson assumes the command — Colonel Coffee — differ- 
ence between Militia, Volunteers, and Regular Troops— Genera! 
Jackson proceeds to the frontiers — prepares for active service — 
Deficiency of provisions — Col. Dyer destroys Littafutchcs — First 
victory over the Creeks at Tallushatches — Gen. Coffee's report of 
it to Gen. Jackson. 

The superficial reader of biography, feels im- 
patient to arrive at the developement of the dis- 
tinguished character who is the subject of it. The 
more critical examiner, traces the progress of the 
Statesman, the Soldier, and the Scholar, from the 
first dawn of his greatness, to the meridian of his 
glory. The untutored imagination will utter vo- 
ciferous hosannas to the memories of the great ; but 
they are as destitute of meaning, as were the enthu- 
siastic praises bestowed by the Ephesians, upon Ihe 
goddess Dianna. That applause which is offered 
by intelligence to merit, is the only commendation 
which a great and a good man wishes to receive 
when in life, and it is the only sentence which will 
embalm his memory after his death. The same 
remarks may be applied to the censure which the 



ANDREW JACKSON. 63 

world generally bestows with more liberality than 
it does its praise. It has been shewn that Gen, 
Jackson had scarcely entered the threshold of his 
military life, before the cheering voice of approba- 
tion, as well as the dissonant notes of censure, ruet 
his ear. But he was then, and is now, a man whom 
merited praise cannot enervate, and whom unjust 
censure cannot intimidate. 

In the third chapter of this work, the reasons 
were briefly stated why the Aborigines of America, 
are so implacably hostile to the Anglo-Americans, 
especially to the, citizens of the American Republic. 
They have been taught to believe that their Great 
Fathers, beyond the great waters, occupying the 
thrones of Britain and Spain, are their friends and 
protectors; while the Americans are their enemies 
and destroyers. The emissaries of these great po- 
tentates themselves, will always disseminate and en- 
courage this sentiment, as long as they have colo- 
nies bordering upon the United States ; and as long 
as they need savages as allies^ to aid them in their 
Quixotic views of recolonizing them. 

Lest this fact may, by some be thou^i to be 
too confidently stated, I quote the following. from 
the Report of the Committee on Foreign Relations, 
to whom was referred the Manifesto of President 
Madison, of the 1st June, 181^,— «* It is known that 
symptoms of British hostility towards the United 
States, have never failed to produce corresponding 



64* MEMOIRS OF 

symptoms among those tribes. [" Savage tribes on 
eur frontiers.^'] It is also well known, that on all 
such occasions, abundant supplies of the ordinary 
munitions of war, have been afforded by the agents 
of British commercial companies, and even from 
British garrisons, wherewith they were enabled t© 
commence that system of savage warfare on our 
frontiers, which has been, at all times, indiscrimi- 
nate in its effect, on all ages, sexes, and conditions, 
and so revolting to humanity." This is confined to 
British emissaries. Before the reader reaches the 
close of these brief Memoirs, he will be furnished 
with evidence "strong as proof of holy writ" of 
the more aggravated injuries of the emissaries of 
Ferdinand VII. of Spain. 

It was not until the British fleets had commen- 
ced their ravages upon our then defenceless sea- 
ports ; and the British armies had began the work 
of devastation upon our then unprotected frontiers, 
that the Creek Indians, as a tribe, advanced for a 
similar purpose, to the borders of the states of 
Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The last men- 
tioned state, then a territorial government, felt the 
first disastrous shock from a concealed storm that 
had long hung in awful silence upon its borders. 

The Spanish government, the consummate du- 
plicity of which is equalled only by the horrors of 
its despotism, had long furnished the Creeks with 
arras and ammunition, the bjstter to enable them 



ANDREW JACKSON. 65 

to destroy the rapidly increasing settlements of the 
states bordering upon Florida. As before men- 
tioned, these states had defended themselves with 
but little aid from the general government. 

In August 1813, a garrison of one hundred and 
fifty men, was stationed in a settlement called Ten- 
sa7Vf in the state of Mississippi. They occupied an 
incomplete fortress, called Fort Minims, at Tensalo, 
to which many females and children had resorted 
for protection against the enkindled wrath of the 
Creek Indians, who had before, in small parties, 
>yantonly murdered a number of families. The 
whole amounted to nearly 400 at the fort. But 
the garrison and the inhabitants were unsuspicious 
of a general movement of these ferocious sons of 
the forest. 

Upon the 30th of August, the furious storm of 
savage warfare burst upon them with all its appal- 
ing horrors. From six hundred to a thousand 
savages commenced an assault. The most veteran 
courage was imbecility itself against such an over- 
whelming superiority of force. The tragical scene 
that followed the possession of Fort Mimms, by the 
Creeks, no mind can conceive — no tongue can ex- 
press—no pen can describe I The savages, having 
long before resolved to ask no quarters, nor to grant 
any, began and completed the dreadful work of 
human carnage. The demand of the soldier for 

quarters, was as ineffectual as the heart-piercingi 
F 2 



66 MEMOIRS OF 

entreaties of the mother, to spare her life and that 
of her child. A general slaughter was made ; and 
out of about three hundred and seventy persons, 
soldiers, women and children, in and about the fort, 
but seventeen escaped. 

The Indians entered one of the gates of the fort, 
and set fire to an old building within it. Major 
Beasltj commanded ; and with a band that reminds 
the reader of the Spartan band* of Leonidas at 
Thermopylas, maintained a conflict with more than 
four times their force, until they slew more than 
their own numbers. While this forlorn hope were 
selling their lives in the fort, the aged men, the 
helpless women, and shrieking children, were per- 
ishing in the flames in the upper story of the burn- 
ing building. To use the impressive language of 
one who was near this scene of carnage — " Under 
the double influence of British gold and furious fa- 
naticism, the savages fought in a manner scarcely 
to be credited. The fight was so obptinately main- 
tained, for a long time, that the opponents, overcome 
by fatigue and exertion, loaded their pieces delibe- 
rately, and shot each other down, or were mutually 
dispatched by the bayonet and tomahawk." 

The solicitude which this direful catastrophe pro.- 

* I find in many of the official reports during the last war, a brave 
body of Smtricans is called " a Spartan band " I cannot see how 
an American baod Should be a band of Spartans howeyer brare tlley 
may It 



ANDREW JACKSON. 67 

cluced, in all the exposed settlements upon the Mo- 
bile, Torabigbee, and in many other places, can bet- 
ter be imagined than expressed. Although the 
state of Tennessee was not immediately in danger, 
yet the most energetic and efficient measures were 
taken to protect the frontiers, and avenge the mas- 
sacre at Fort Mimms. The legislature of that state 
convened towards the close of September — authori- 
sed Governor Blount to call into immediate service, 
three thousand five hundred of the militia — and 
voted three hundred thousand dollars for their sup- 
port. 

The legislature, and indeed, the whole popula- 
tion of Tennessee, fixed their hopes upon Gen. Jack- 
son. The confidence of all in him was unbounded. 
It had long been his opinion that the only effectual 
mode of warfare against savages, was to carry war 
into the heart of their country. Gen. Wai/ne, many 
years since, and Gen. Harrison more recently had 
evinced the correctness of this opinion. The legis- 
lature accorded with him in sentiment, and the 
command of an intended expedition devolved upon 
him. 

Gen. Jackson had recently received a fracture in 
his arm, and a wound in his body, in the settlement 
of an affair of honour, in an honourable manner. 
Under any other circumstances, the severity of the 
wounds, and the consequent debility, would have 
detained him in his domestic circle. But he wffs 



68 MEMOIRS OF 

born for his country — his country demanded his 
services; and the ardent patriotism of his soul, 
made hira forget the debility of his body. 

He was ordered by Gov. Blount to call out two 
thousand militia, and to rendezvous at FayHteville, 
A part of this detachment consisted of the Tennes- 
see volunteers, who had the preceding spring return- 
ed from Natchez. Upon the 4ith of October, 1813, 
the day appointed, the troops promptly repaired to 
the place of rendezvous. Colonel, soon after Gene« 
ral Coffee^ in the mean time, had raised five hundred 
mounted volunteers, and was authorised to augment 
his force, by adding to it the volunteer mounted 
riflemen who might offer their services. It would 
be a task highly grateful to the author, would the 
prescribed limits of thie work permit, to give a brief 
sketch of this accomplished and patriotic officer. It 
is enough to say, that he commenced his active mili- 
tary life, with Andrew Jackson ; and that in the 
most disastrous periods of the Creek war, when, by 
the jealousy of some, the treachery of others, the in- 
trigues of many, and the apprehensions of all, his 
general was left almost alone in a wilderness of blood- 
seeking barbarians, be remained ^\faithful among 
the faithlesSi^^ till the last conquering stroke was 
given. He followed the no less desperate fortune 
of Gen. Jackson to New-Orleans, where he, with 
his general, and his gallant army, acquired Jaurefs 



ANDREW JACKSON. G9 

which will never fade, until men cease to appreciate 
exalted patriotism. 

Upon the Tth October, Gen. Jackson repaired to 
the rendezvous at Fayetteville ; and although in a 
state of indisposition which required the repose of 
the hospital, rather than in that vigorous health 
which is necessary to endure the fatigues of the 
camp, and a march through the wilderness, he as- 
sumed the command of the army designed to avenge 
the blood of their countrymen, and to conquer the 
most warlike tribe of barbarians in the universe. It 
might be deemed presumptuous to say, that Gen. 
Jackson was the only man in Tennessee, who could 
successfully command an army destined to accom- 
plish this arduous and perilous duty; but it may, 
without hesitation be said, that no man at that tirae^ 
had so completely secured the confidence, and raised 
the hopes of the civil and military power of that 
state as he. 

He found the troops assembled, deficient in num- 
bers, and was aware that few of them had " seea 
service." The difference between drafted militia, 
volunteer troops, and enlisted soldiers, has been 
slightly alluded to. It will readily be acknowledg- 
ed by every officer and every soldier in the late war. 
It does not arise from a difference of patriotism or 
courage, for both are inherent with all true Ameri- 
cans. It may probably be imputed to the differ- 
ence in their organization. The Milkia, in times of 



70 MEMOIRS OF 

peace, consider the performance of military service 
rather as a pastime, than a duty; and cannot be 
broui,^ht, suddenly, to submit to the rigid discipline 
of the camp. The Volunteers are impelled by love 
of country, and a thirst for fame, to fiy, unasked, to 
the standard of the Republic ; but when the im- 
pulse that led them there has subsided, and they 
find that glory is to be acquired by a long course 
of severe duty, apathy often succeeds to animation ; 
and many are ready to exclaim with Byron. "/ want 
no other Paradise but rest.'* The soldiers enter the 
army to make a trade of war. They study disci- 
pline as a business; and courage with them is not 
only a principle, but it is a system. To conquer, to 
be captured, or to die, is a matter of course and of 
necessity ; and if disasters are remediless, when they 
happen, they endure them without a murmur. 

Gen. Jackson, at the time he commenced his sec- 
ond expedition, and his first against the Creeks, had 
no United States' troops under his command; in- 
deed, he had no authority himself under the general 
government, being senior major-general of Tennessee 
militia. He commenced the arduous duty of con^ 
verting citizens to soldiers, and resorted to every 
possible expedient which a prudent as well as an in- 
trepid commander could devise to insure success. 
The previous character — the presence and example 
of the general, inspired the soldiers withconfidencej 
and gave them victory in anticipation. 



ANDREW JACKebN. 71 

I. Coffee had penetrated with his cavalry and 
mounted vohinteers towards the frontiers, and was 
stationed near Huntsville. In the Creek nation 
were many natives in amity with the United States. 
From them, important information was obtained, 
and by them, essential service was rendered. Upon 
the 8th, Col. Coffee informed Gen. Jackson, by ex- 
press, that from information derived from Indian 
runners, the hostile Creeks were in great force, and 
intended simultaneously to attack the frontiers of 
Georgia and Tennessee. Upon the 10th, Gen. Jack- 
son, in an unprepared state, took up the line of 
march; and, what is perhaps \\ithout a parallel for 
the first day*s march, reached Hnntsvilie the same 
evening, a distance of from thirty to forty miles. 
Col. Coffee had reached the Tennessee river, and 
Gen. Jackson the next day overtook him, and uni- 
ted with his regiment upon the bank of that river. 
Aware that "pror.raetination is (he tliief of time," 
and that the ardour of raw and undisciplined troops 
was soon cooled, he dispatched Col. Coffee with his 
mounted corps, to explore the river Big Warrior 
and Etomh-igaby,coviMwor\\^ c?i\\^d Tombi^hee. 

He encamped his own division upon the Tennes- 
see, and was indefatigable in preparing them for 
active service. He remained here but a week ; and, 
what will excite the astonishment of those who have 
witnessed the slow progiess of raw troops to the 
character of veteran soldiers, he made his army such 



72 MEMOIRS OP 

in that time. The mystery is explained, when it 
is said, in this corps, at this time, they found pleas- 
ure in the performanceof duty, and the performance 
of duty was the enjoyment of pleasure. 

In the camp of Gen. Jackson, there could hardly 
be said to be a commissary department at this time ; 
and he depended upon various contractors for casu- 
al rather than regular supplies of provisions. An 
alarming deficiency was found to exist, and an un- 
certainty of supplies was made known. Nothing 
could be so much calculated to repress military ar- 
dour as this discovery. Men who would face death 
in its most horrible forms, will turn to children at 
the approach of famine. Gen. Jackson, by meas- 
ures the most efficient, and by entreaties the most 
urgent, endeavoured to secure a supply. Undis- 
mayed himself, he set an example of cheerfulness 
before his followers, that for a time dispelled their 
apprehensions. 

At this critical period, information was received 
that the Creeks were embodied near the Ten Islands 
on the Coosa, Collecting what provisions could be 
obtained, but a few day's supply, he commenced 
his march upon the 18th for Thompson's Creek, His 
route led through a mountainous country, which 
would seem to have defied the passage of an array 
and the appendages of it. Upon the 22d he arri- 
ved there, where he remainsd until certain informa- 
tion was received that the Creeks woald soon com« 



ANDREW JACKSON. 7S 

mencc active operations upon the Coosa. The war- 
riors, to an amount wholly unknown, but who were 
supposed to be very numerous, had assembled, in 
warlike array, at Tallushatches. 

Col. Dyer had before been despatched to attack, 
and, if possible, destroy the Indian town of Litta- 
futrhes. He destroyed the place; and upon the 
28th, returned to camp with twenty-nine prisoners 
of the hostile Creeks, extending that mercy to them 
by sparing their lives, vyhich their system of warfare 
prohibited them from extending to Americans. 

The main body was encamped about thirteen 
miles from Tallushatches ; and upon the 1st of No- 
vember, a small supply of provisions was brought 
into camp. Col. Coffee had been promoted to a 
brigadier-general; and was despatched early upon 
the 2d, with 900 cavalry, and mounted riflemen, to 
attack the Creeks in their encampment. Gen. Jack- 
son, although convalescent, was at this time extreme- 
ly debilitated, from long indisposition, excessive fa- 
tigue, and extreme solicitude, and had no use of one 
arm ; but in Gen. Coffee, he had an officer to whom 
he might safely entrust an expedition of any impor- 
tance, and of any danger. 

The result of this first important engagement, I 
present to the reader in the language of " Official 
Reports.^* Deeniing this altogether the most pre- 
ferable mode of furnishing the reader with the d€^ 
G 



r4 MEMOIRS OF 

tails of battles, I shall adopt it through the work, 
when they can be obtained. 

GEN. JACKSON TO GOV. BLOUNT. 

Camp at Ten I stands , Nov, ^th, 1813. 

Governor Blount, 

Sir, — We have retaliated for the destruction of 
Fort Mimms, On the 2d, I detached Gen. Colfee, 
■with a part of his brigade of cavalry and mounted 
riflemen, to destroy Tallushatches, where a consid- 
erable force of the hostile Creeks were concentrated. 
The General executed this in style. An hundred 
and eighty-six of the enemy were found dead on 
the field, and about eighty taken prisoners, forty of 
whom have been brought here. In the number left, 
there is a sufficiency but slightly wounded to take 
care of those who are badly. 

I have to regret that five of my brave fellows 
have been killed, and about thirty wounded ; some 
badly, but none I hope mortally. 

Both officers and men behaved with the utmost 
bravery and deliberation. 

Captains Smith, Bradley, and Winston are wound- 
ed, all slightly. No officer is killed. 

So soon as Gen. Coffee makes his report, I shall 
enclose it. 

If we had a sufficient supply of provisions, wc 



ANDREW JACKSON. 75 

should in a very short time accomplish the object 
of the expedition. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, 
yours, kc. ANDREW JACKSON. 

P. S. Seventeen Cherokees, under the command 
of Col. Brown, acted with great bravery in the ac- 
tion. Two of Chenubby's sons, and Jim Fife, of 
the Natchez tribe, also distinguished themselves. 
One of the Creek prophets is killed. A. J. 

It will be noticed that Gen. Jackson merely alludes 
to the subject of provisions ; but from numerous 
sources of correct information, it is certain at that 
time that a very scanty supply was on hand. 

The following is Gen. Coffee's report of the battle 
of Tallushatches, alluded to in the letter to Gov. 
Blount. 

BRIG. GEN. COFFEE TO MAJ. GEN. JACKSON. 

Camp at Ten Islands^ Nov. 4ithy 1813. 
Maj. Gen. Jackson, 

Sir,— I had the honour yesterday, of transmitting 
you a short account of an engagement that took place 
between a detachment of about 900 men from my 
brigade with the enemy at Tallushatches town ; the 
particulars whereof I beg leave herein to recite you. 
Pursuant to your order of the 2d, I detailed from 
my brigade of cavalry and mounted riflemen, 900 
men and officers, and proceeding directly to the 



r6 MEMOIRS OF 

Tallushatches towns, crossed Coosa river at the Fish 
Dam ford, three or four raiies above this place. I 
arrived within one and a half miles of the town, 
(distant from this place south-east eight miles,) on 
the morning of the 3d, at which place I divided ray 
detachment into two columns, the right composed 
of the cavalry commanded by Col. Allcorn, to cross 
over a large creek that lay between us and the towns ; 
the left column was of the mounted riflemen, under 
the command of Col. Cannon, with whom 1 marched 
myself. Col. Allcorn was ordered to march up on 
the right, and encircle one half of the town, and at 
the same time the left would form a half circle on 
the left, and unite the head of the columns in front 
of the town — all of which was performed as I could 
wish. When I arrived within half a mile of the 
town, the drums of the eiicray began tc beat^ rniii- 
gled with their savage yells, preparing for action. 
It was after sunrise an hour when the action was 
brought on by Capt. Hammond and Lieut. Patter- 
son's companies, who had gone on within the circle 
of alignment, for the purpose of drawing out the 
enemy from their buildings, which had the most 
happy effect. As soon as Capt. Hammond exhibit- 
ed his front in view of the town, (which stood in an 
open woodland,) and gave a few scattering shot, the 
enemy formed and made a violent charge on him ; 
he gave way as they advanced, until they met our 
right column, which gave them a general fire and 



ANDREW JACKSON. 77 

then charged ; this changed the direction of charge 
completely ; the enemy retreated firing, until they 
got around, and in their buildings, where they 
made all the resistance that an overpowered soldier 
could do; they fought as long as one existed ; but 
their destruction was very soon completed : our 
men rushed up to the doors of the houses, and in a 
few minutes killed the last warrior of them. The 
enemy fought with savage fury, and met death with 
all its horrors, without shrinking or complaining : 
not one asked to be spared, but fought as long as 
they could stand or sit. In consequence of their 
fiying to their houses and mixing with the families, 
our men, in killing the males, without intention, 
killed and wounded a few of the squaws and chil- 
dren, which was regretted by every officer and sol- 
dier of the detachment, but which could not be 
avoided. 

The number of the enemy killed, was 186, that 
were counted, and a number of others that were 
killed in the weeds, not found. I think the calcu- 
lation a reasonable one, to say 200 of them were 
killed, and 84 prisoners of women and children? 
were taken. Not one of the warriors escaped to 
carry the news — a circumstance unknown hereto- 
fore. 

We lost 5 men killed, and 41 wounded, none mor- 
tally, the greater part slightly; a number with ar- 
G2 



fS MEMOIRS OF 

rows. This appears to form a very principal part 
of the enemy's arms for warfare, every man having 
a bow with a bundle of arrows, which is used after 
the first fire with the gun, until a leisure time for 
loading offers. 

It is with pleasure I say that our men acted with 
deliberation and firmness. Notwithstanding our 
numbers were superior to that of the enemy, it was 
a circumstance to us unknown ; and from the parade 
of the enemy, we had every reason to suppose them, 
our equals in number : but there appeared no visi- 
ble traces of alarm in any, but on the contrary 
all appeared cool and determined, and no doubt 
when they face a foe of their own, or superior num- 
ber, they will show the same courage as on this oc- 
casion. 

I have the honour to be, very respectfully, sir, 

your obedient servant, 

JOHN COFFEE, 

Brig. Gen. of Cavalry and Riflemen. 
Maj, Gen, Andrew Jackson. 

Killed, 5 privates. 

Woundedy 4 captains, 2 lieutenants, 2 cornets, 3 
sergeants, 5 corporals, 1 artificer, 24 privates.— To- 
tal, killed and wounded, 46. 

In this report the reader will readily see, that 
while Gen. Coflfee is gratified at communicating an 
account of victory, he is grieved at some of the cir- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 79 

cuHistances attending it. " Not one," he says, 
*' asked to be spared"— and without asking; quarter, 
and continuing to fight, they could not be spared. 
The regret expressed at killing and wounding some 
of the women and children, mingled with the war- 
riors, and which could not be avoided, shews that 
brave men are alwavs humane. 



so MEMOIRS QF 



CHAPTER VI. 

Tennessee forces — Collisions in armies — EstabHshm*'nt of Fort Stro- 
ther — Perilous situation of friendly Creeks — Despatch to Genera! 
White — his conduct — Battle of Talladega — Geu. Jackson's ac- 
count of it. 

At the cominencement of the campaign, in the 
Creek nation, in 1813, the Tennessee forces, militia 
and voUmteers, that were called into service, con- 
sisted of two divisions — one of West Tennessee, 
commanded by Maj. Gen. Jackson, the other of 
East Tennessee, commanded by Maj. Gen. Cocke. 
The division of the Tennessee forces seemed to be 
governed by the division which nature has made 
of this state by the range of the Cumberland moun- 
tains, running from north to south. Major Gen. 
Thomas Pinckney, of the United States' army, was 
commander in chief of the military district in which 
these troops were raised and organized. 

Whether it was designed by the executive of 
Tennessee that the two divisions of its forces should 
act in concert, or remain two distinct corps, acting 
independently of each other, cannot positively be 
determined by the writer. The first is altogether 
the most probable ; indeed it is rendered almost 
certain from the course pursued by Gen. Jackson^- 



ANDRBWr JACKSON. 81 

It cannot for a moment be supposed, that a man 
who had so long been in public life — filling exalt- 
ed and highly responsible stations in the civil and 
military departments, would arrogate to himself 
an authority which was not expressly, or by the 
fairest implicationj bestowed upon him. He issued 
orders to the division under Gen. Cocke. The un- 
fortunate collisions, misunderstandings, and jealous- 
ies which for a time obstructed, and nearly thwart- 
ed the important and hazardous expedition into 
the country of the Creeks, though reluctantly, must 
necessarily, be alluded to, to show the course pur- 
sued by Gen. Jackson. 

Although the patriot will lament the existence 
of feuds in a patriotic army, let it be remembered 
they were not confined to the militia in the last war, 
nor to those between the militia of the states, and 
the national forces ; but that they eii?ted in some 
departments of the United States' army itself. 
The northern campaign of 1813, is not forgotten, 
nor the * Failure of our arms on the Northern Froii' 
tier^ erased from recollection. Gen. Wilkinson de- 
clares in a General Order — " The Commander in 
Chief is compelled to retire, [from the Canadian 
shore,] by the extraordinary, unexampled, and it 
appears, unwarrantable conduct of Major General 
Hampton, in refusing to join this army with a divi- 
sion of 4000 men under his command, agreeable to 
positive orders from the Commander in Chief." 



82 MEMOIRS OF - 

The brilliant victory at Tallushatches, and the 
total defeat of the savages, from which, to use the 
lan^uas^e of Gen. Co/Tee, " not one of the warriors 
escaped to tell the news" induced Gen. Jackson to 
take the most efficient measures to follow up the 
encouraging success the army had met with, by 
more important operations. To accomplish this, 
he sent an express upon Nov. 4th, (the date of his 
first official account,) to Brig. Gen. White, of Gen. 
Cockers division, who was only twenty-five miles 
distant, ordering him with the troops in his com- 
mand, to form a junction with him at Fort Strot her, 
which he had established as a depot. His object 
in forming this junction, was to augment his forces 
to such an amount, as to enable him to go forward 
with confidence in attacking the enemy, and leave a 
force in the rear sufficient to protect the sick and 
guard the baggage. Although he had twice before 
sent similar orders, not a word of intelligence was 
received from him. Upon the Tth, he dispatched 
another express. Upon this day information was 
received by Gen. Jackson, that a fortress of friendly 
Indians at Talladega, thirty miles distant from Fort 
Strother, was in imminent danger of total destruc- 
tion, and the natives to indiscriminate massacre, by 
the hostile Creeks. They had espoused the cause 
of the Americans ; and of course had incurred all 
the ventjeful malice which natural ferocity, increas- 
ed by religious fanaticism, could feel towards them. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 83 

They were surrounded by a numerous body of in- 
furiated Creeks. Their runners beseeched General 
Jackson to relieve them from their perilous situation. 
The same sentiment that induced the general to ha- 
zard his reputation in protecting his countrymen at 
Natchez, induced him, without hesitation, to extend 
protection to those faithful natives, whose fate was 
identified with the success or defeat of the American 
arms. He commenced his march, commanding in 
person, at 12 o'clock in the evening. He despatch- 
ed another express to Gen. White, to repair that 
night to Fort Strother, and protect it in his absence. 
To his inexpressible surprise, in a short time he re- 
ceived a message from him that he had, agreeable 
to Ms order, commenced a march to Fort Strother, 
but that he had received counter orders from Maj. 
Gen. Cocke, to join him at Chatuga creek! — and that 
he should obey him ! 

A situation m.ore embarrassing can hardly be 
imagined. His sick and baggage in his rear, liable 
every moment to destruction — the friendly Creeks 
in his front in momentary danger of annihilation. 
The hour of decision had come. Relying upon the 
gallantry of his troops — knowing the justice of his 
cause, and hoping for the protection of heaven, he 
rapidly advanced upon the enemy, ii;;norant of their 
force. The result I give in the general's own lan- 
guage. 



'0- 



84> MEarems or 

MAJ. GEN. JACKSON TO GOV. BLOUNT. 

Camp Str other, near Ten Islands 
of Coosa, Nov» llth, 1813» 

Sir,—! am just returneil from an excursion which 
I took a few days ago, and hasten to acquaint you 
with the result. 

Late on the evening of the 7th ir»st. a runner ar- 
rived from the friendly party in Lashley's Fort, 
(Talladega,) distant about thirty miles below us, 
with the information that the hostile Creeks, in 
great force, had encamped near the place, and were 
preparing to destroy it ; and earnestly entreated 
that I would lose no time in affording them relief. 
Urged by their situation, as well as by a wish to 
meet the enemy as soon as an opportunity would 
offer, I determined upon commencing my march 
thither with all my disposable force, in the course 
of the night; and immediately despatched an ex- 
press to Gen. White, advising him of my intended 
movement, and urged him to hasten to this encamp- 
ment by a forced march, in order to protect it in 
my absence. I had repeatedly written to the gene- 
ral, to form a junction with me as speedily as prac- 
ticable, and a few days before had received his as- 
surance, that on the 7ih he would join me. I com- 
menced crossing the river at the Ten Islands, leav- 
ing behind me my baggage waggons and whatever 
mi^^ht retard my progress, and encamped that night 
within six miles of the fort I had set oui to relieve. 



ANDREW JA<iKSON. 85 

At midnight I had received by an Indian runner, a 
letter from Gen. White, informing me that he had 
received my order, but that he had altered his 
course, and was on his march backwards to join 
Maj. Gen. Cocke, near the mouth of the Chatuga. 
I will not now remark upon the strangeness of this 
manoeuvre; but it was now too late to change my 
plan, or make any new arrangements ; and between 
3 and 4 o'clock, I recommenced my march to meet 
the enemy, who were encamped within a quarter of 
a mile of the fort. At sunrise we came within half 
a mile of them, and having formed my men, I mov- 
ed on in battle order. The infantry were in three 
lines— the militia on the left, and the volunteers on 
the right. The cavalry formed the two extreme 
wings, and were ordered to advance in a. airve, keep- 
ing their rear connected with the advance of thtir 
infantry lines, and enclose the enemy in a circle. 
The advanced guard whom I sent forward to bring 
on the engagement, met the attack of the enemy 
with great intrepidity ; and having poured upon 
them four or five very galling rounds, fell back, as 
they had been previously orderet!, to the main ar- 
my. The enemy pursued, and the front line was 
now ordered to advance and meet him; but ow- 
ing to some misunderstanding, a few companies of 
militia, who composed a part of it, commenced a 
retreat. At this moment a corps of cavalry, com- 
H 



86 MEMOIRS OF 

mandecl by Lieut. Col. Dyer, which I had kept as 
a reserve, was ordered to dismount, and fill up the 
vacancy occasioned by the retreat. This order was 
executed with a great deal of promptitude and ef- 
fect. The militia, seeinsj this, speedily rallied ; and 
the fire became general along the front line, and on 
that part of the wings which was contiguous. The 
enemy, unable to stand it, began to retreat ; but 
were met at every turn, and repulsed in every di- 
rection. The right wing chased them, with a most 
destructive fire, to the mountains, a distance of 
about three miles — and had I not been compelled 
by the faux pas of the militia in the outset of the 
battle, to dismount my reserve, I believe not a man 
of them would have escaped. The victory how^- 
ever was very decisive — 290 of the enemy were left 
dead — and there can be no doubt but many more 
were killed who were not found. Wherever they 
ran, they left behind traces of blood ; and it is be- 
lieved that very few will return to their villages in 
as sound a condition as they left them. I was com- 
pelled to return to this place to protect the sick and 
wountied, and get my baggage on. 

In the engagement, we lost \6 killed, and 85 
wounded— 2 of them have since flied. All the offi- 
cers acted with the utmost bravery, and so did all 
the privates, except that part of the militia who re» 
treated at the commencement of the battle— and 



' ANDREW JACKSON. 87 

they hastened to atone for their error. Talcins: the 
whole together, they have realized the high expec- 
tations I had formed of them, and have fairly enti- 
tled themselves to the gratitude of their country. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

His Excellency Willie Blount, Nashville. 

The following additional despatch completes the 
account of the Battle of Talladega. 

Camp Strother, near Ten Islands, 
I5th Nov. 1813. 

You will perceive, from a draft which I shall send 
you, that had there been no departure from the ori- 
ginal order of battle, not an Indian could have es- 
caped; and even as the battle did terminate, I be- 
lieve that no impartial man can say that a more 
splendid result, has in any instance attended our 
arms on land, since the commencement of the war. 
The force of the enemy is represented by themselves 
to have been 1080 ; and it does not appear from 
their fire and the space of ground which they occu- 
pied, that their number can have been less. Two 
hundred and ninety-nine were left dead on the 
ground ; and no doubt many more were killed who 
were not found. It is believed that very [ew esca- 
ped without a wound. In a very few weeks, if I 
had a sufficiency of supplies, I am thoroughly con- 



S8 MEMOIRS OF 

viriced I should be able to put an end to Creek hos- 
tilities. 

Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the 
advance, led on by Col. Carrol, for the spirited man* 
ner in which they commenced and sustained the at- 
tack ; nor upon the reserve, commanded by Lieut. 
Col. Dyer, and composed of Captains Smith's, Mor- 
ton's, Axum's, Edwards', and Hammond's compa- 
nies, for the gallantry with which they met and re* 
pulsed the enemy. Jn a word, officers of every 
grade, as well as the privates, realized the high ex- 
pectations I had formed of them, and merit the 
gratitude of their country. 

I should be doing injustice to my staff, composed 
of Majors Reid and Searcy, my aids, Col. Sitler and 
Major Anthony, Adjutant, and Assistant Adjutant- 
General ; Colonel Carrol, Inspector-General ; Major 
Strother, Topographer ; Mr. Cunningham, my Sec- 
retary , and Col. Stokey D. Haynes, Quarter-Mas- 
ter-General ; not to say that they were every where 
in the midst of danger, circulating my orders. They 
deserve and receive my thanks. 

I have the honour to be, &,c. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

In reading this account of the second victory ob- 
tained over the Creeks, it cannot have escaped the 
notice of the reader, with what delicacy the general 



ANDREW JACKSON. 89 

mentions the retreat of a part of his force, and with 
what readiness he endeavours to exculpate them 
from censure, by saying—" they hastened to atone 
for their errory This retreat, however, had a 
most pernicious effect. It tended to excuse subse- 
quent retreats, and to encourage the desponding 
hopes of the Indian warriors. When they once saw 
an assailing enemy shrink from a sanguinary com- 
bat, they expected to see it again*. 



H2 



90 MEMOIRS OF 



CHAPTER VIL 

Consequences of Brig. Geo. White's conduct — Hillabees sue for peace 
to Gen. Jackson— Gen. White desti'oys their towns— Measures of 
the Georgia Legislature— Victory at Autoussee — Brig. Gen. Fh)yd's 
account of it — Gen. Jackson's situation in December, 1813 — Muti- 
ny among his troops— also in Gen. Coffee's brigade — dismissal of 
both. 

In consequence of the refusal of Brig. Gen. White 
to form a junction with Gen. Jackson, or to repair 
to Fort Strother in his absence, he was compelled to 
relinquish his intentions of carrying the war forfvard 
into the Indian territories, and to return back with 
his wounded to that fortress. This conduct of Gen, 
White, acting under Maj. Gen. Cocke, was produc- 
tive of a double disadvantage, and a double injury — 
it prolonged the war with the Creeks, and compel- 
led those of them who wished for peace, to continue 
to fight. 

The HiUabee tribes, after the signal victory at 
Talladega, were solicitous to make peace with Gen. 
Jackson and the United States. He was as ready 
to negociate as to conquer ; but before any terms 
could be made, Gen. White attacked them— and j 
while they were preparing to bury the tomahawk, 
they were compelled to wield it. Supposing that 
the forces under Gen. White, were a part of Gert. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 91 

Jackson's array, and that while they were sueing for 
peace, to be assailed by a superior force, was unjus- 
tifiable duplicity, they became more enraged than 
ever. Desperation took the place of timidity, and, 
during the remainder of the war, the Hillabees ne- 
ver asked quarter, nor granted it. They fought 
with the raging fury of maniacs; and each one 
seemed to have become a " Son of Alknomock, who 
scorned to complain^^ — they asked no favours, and 
extended no mercy. 

Gen. White destroyed the Hiliabee towns as he 
entered them by conflagration. The first town 
was Little Onkfuskie, of thirty houses ; the second 
GenalgcVy of ninety-three houses. Nitty Choptoa^ to 
use his own language, he *' considered it most pru- 
dent not to destroy, as it might possibly be of use at 
some future period." Upon the IStli November, 
he entered an Hiliabee town, "consisting" as he 
says, "of about 316, (hostile Creeks,) of which 
number, about 60 warriors were killed on the spot, 
and the rest made prisoners." This town he also 
destroyed. In his report he says — " We lost not one 
drop of blood in accomplishing this enterprise." It 
is without a parallel, in Indian warfare, that so ma- 
ny warriors should be slain and captured, and ** not 
one drop of blood" should be lost by the force as- 
sailing them ; and can be accounted for, perhaps, 
upon no other principle, than that the Hillabees 
scorned to shed the blood of those to whom they 



92 MEMOIRS OF 

were, at the very time, supplicating for peace ! The 
facts are before the reader — he must make his own 
inferences. It will be surely recollected that Gen. 
Jackson, however sanguinary necessity compelled 
him to make the war after this period, had hitherto 
exercised a lenity towards the Creeks, almost incon- 
sistent with energy. He had acted like an humane 
conqueror, who chose rather to conciliate a ruth- 
less foe by mercy, than to exterminate them by the 
sword. 

It has previously been stated, that the Creeks 
had determined to attack the frontiers of Georgia 
and Tennessee, simultaneously. Measures equally 
efficient with those adopted by the executive and 
legislature of Tennessee were adopted by the ex- 
ecutive and legislature of Georgia. His excel- 
lency Peter Early, governor of that state, upon 
the 8th November, 1813, communicated to the 
Senate and House of Representatives, the informa- 
tion he had received of savage depredations and 
murders upon the frontiers. The legislature im- 
mediately authorized the governor to cause the 
frontiers to be put in a state of defence, and to 
send a sufficient force into the heart of the Creek 
country. As the executive and military powers of 
Georgia acted in concert with Gen. Jackson, the 
measures pursued by them must necessarily be al- 
luded to. 

Brig. Gen. John Floyd^ commanded the Georgia 



ANDREW JACKSON. 03 

militia. The victory obtained by hira at Autoussee 
upon the Tallapoosa river, was a signal advantage 
to the American arms. It tended to increase the 
fears of the Creeks, and to hasten the conquest of 
their country. Sensible that no description of this 
battle will be so gratifying to the reader, as that 
given by the accomplished commander of the gal- 
lant troops who achieved the victory, I present it 
in the language of the general to Gov. Early. 

" Having received information that numbers of 
the hostile Indians were assembled at Autoussee, 
a town on the southern bank of the Tallapoosa, 
about eighteen miles from the Hickory Ground, and 
twenty above the junction of that river with the 
Coosa, I proceeded to its attack, with 950 of the 
Georgia militia, accompanied by between 3 and 
400 friendly Indians. Having encamped within 
nine or ten miles of the point of destination the 
preceding evening, we resumed the marc^i, a iew 
minutes before one on the morning of the 29th, and 
at half past six were formed for action in front of 
the town. 

Booth's battalion composed the right column, 
and marched from its centre. Watson's battalion 
composed the left, and marched from its right — 
Adams's rifle company, and Merri wether's under 
Lieut. Hendon, were on the flanks— Capt. Thomas's 



94 MEMOIRS OF 

artillery marched in front of the right column in 
the road. 

It was my intention to have completely surround- 
ed the enemy, by appaying the right wing of my 
force, on Canleebee creek, at the mouth of which 
I was informed the town stood, and resting the left 
on the river bank below the town, but to our sur- 
prise, as the day dawned, we perceived a second 
town about 500 yards below that which we had 
first viewed, and were preparing to attack. The 
plan was immediately changed — three companies 
of infantry on the left were wheeled into echelon, 
and advanced to the low town, accompanied by 
Merriwether's rifle company, and two troops of 
light dragoons under the comnmnd of captains 
Irwin and Steele. 

The residue of the force approached the upper 
town, and the battle soon became general. The 
Indians presented themselves at every point, and 
fought with the desperate bravery of real fanatics. 
The well directed fire, however, of the artillery, 
added to the charge of tiie bayonet, soon forced 
them to take refuge in the out»houses, thickets, and 
copses, in rear of the town ; many, it is believed, 
concealed themselves in caves, previously formed 
for the purpose of secure retreat, in the high bluif 
of the river, which was thickly covered with reed 
and brush wood. The Indians of the friendly par- 
ty who accompanied us on the expedition, were di- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 95 

vided info four companies, and placed under the 
coniniand of leaders of their selection. TJiey were, 
by engagement entered into the day previous, to 
have crossed the river above the town, and been 
posted on the opposite shore during the action, for 
the purpose of firing on such of the enemy as might 
attempt to escape, or keep in check any reinforce- 
ment which might probably be thrown in from the 
neighbouring town ; but owing to the difficulty of 
the ford, and coldness of the weather, and the 
lateness of the hour, this arrangement failed, and 
their leaciers u ere directed to cross Canleebee creek, 
and occupy that flank, to prevent escapes from the 
Tallassee town. Some time after the action com- 
menced, our red friends thronged in disorder in the 
rear of our lines. The Covvetaws under M'Intosh, 
and the Tookaubatchians under the Mad Dog's Son, 
fell in on our flanks, and fought with an intrepidity 
worthy of any troops. 

At 9 o'clock, the enemy was completely driven 
from the plain, and the houses of both towns wrap- 
ped in flames. As we were then 60 miles from any 
depot of provisions and our five days* rations pretty 
much reduced, in the heart of an enemy's country, 
which, in a few moments could have poured from 
its numerous towns, hosts of the fiercest warriors— 
as soon as the dead and woumled were properly 
disposed of, I ordered the place to be abandoned, 



96 MEMOIRS OF 

an<l the troops to commence their march to Chata- 
houchie. 

It is difficult to determine the strength of the ene- 
my, but from the information of some of the chiefs, 
which it is said can be relied upon, there were as- 
sembled at Autoussee, warriors from eight towns, 
for its defence, it being their beloved ground, on 
which, they proclaimed no white man could ap- 
proach without inevitable destruction. It is difficult 
to give a precise account of the loss of the enemy ; 
but from the number which were lying scattered 
over the field, together with those destroyed in 
the- towns, and the many slain on the bank of the 
river, which respectable officers affirm they saw 
laying; in heaps at the water's edge, where they had 
been precipitated by their surviving friends, their 
loss in killed, independent of their wounded, must 
have been at least 200, [among whom were the 
Autoussee and Tallassee kings,] and from the cir- 
cumstance of their making no eiiorts to molest our 
return,' probably greater. The number of buildings 
burnt, some of a superior order for the dwellings 
of savages, and filled with valuable articles, is sup- 
posed to be 400. 

Adjt. Gen. Newman rendered important services 
during the action, by his cool and deliberate cour- 
age. My aid. Major Crawford, discharged with 
promptitude the duties of a brave and meritorious 
officer. Major Pace, who acted as field aid, also 



ANDREW JACKSON. 9? 

distinguished himself; both these gentlemen had 
their horses shot under them, and the latter lost 
his. Dr. Williamson, hospital surgeon, and Dr. 
Clopton, were prompt and attentive in the discharge 
of their duty towards the wounded, during the 
action. 

Major Freeman, at the head of Irwin's troop of 
cavalry, and part of Steele's, made a furious and 
successful charge upon a body of Indians, sabred 
several, and completely defeated them ; Capt. Thom- 
as and his company, Capt. Adams and Lieut. Hen- 
don's rifle companies, killed a great many Indians, 
and deserve particular praise : Capt. Barton's com- 
pany was in the hottest of the battle, and fought 
like soldiers. Capts. Myric, Little, King, Broad- 
nax, Cleveland, Joseph T. Cunningham, and Lee, 
with their companies, distinguished themselves.— 
Brig. Gen. Shackleford was of great service in 
bringing the troops into action ; and Adj. Broad - 
nax, and Major Montgomery, who acted as assistant 
Adjutant, showed great activity and courage. Maj. 
Booth used his best endeavours in bringing his bat- 
talion to action, and Maj. Watson's battalion acted 
with considerable spirit. Irwin's, Patterson's, and 
Steele's troops of cavalry, whenever an opportunity 
presented, charged with success. Lieut. Strong 
had his horse shot, and narrowly escaped, and 
Quarter Master Tennell displayed the greatest he- 
roism, and miraculously escaped, though badly 
I 



98 ^r MEMOIRS OF 

wounded, after having his horse shot from under him. 
The topographical engineer was vigilant in his en- 
deavours to render service. 

The troops deserve the highest praise for their 
fortitude in enduring hunger, cold, and fatigue, 
without a murmur, having marched 120 mires in 
seven days. 

The friendly Indians lost several lulled and wound- 
ed, the number not exactly known. Capt. Barton, 
an active and intelligent officer, (the bearer of these 
despatches,) can more particularly explain to your 
excellency the conduct, movements, and operations 
of the army." 

The importance of this victory may be duly ap- 
preciated, when it is considered, that besides the 
death of two kings and two hundred warriors — 
double that number wounded — and four hundred 
superior Indian residences destroyed ; the religious 
charm that had led them on to desperation, was 
dissolved. Upon " their beloved ground^ on which 
they proclaimed no white man could approach^ with- 
out inevitable destruction*^ they saw their chiefs and 
warriors fall — their houses consume, and the whites 
lose but eleven men. 

It is a little singular that General Floyd should 
mention every officer that was wounded, and even 
every officer's horse that was killed, and omit to 
m«jntion that he was very badly wounded himself. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 99 

A brave man is always modest in regard to his own 
merits; but the general seemed to have that modes- 
ty which may be denominated false, in omitting 
this in his official report. 

While these interesting events were taking place 
in one part of the Creek country, General Jackson 
was placed in a most unpleasant, not to say perilous 
situation, at Fort Strother. His volunteers, who 
had become familiar with service, by descending 
the Mississippi the preceding campaign, and who, 
with the Tennessee militia, had beconie familiar 
with victory over the Creeks, began to look toward 
home, for the ease and tranquillity of private life, 
and the ordinary pursuits of private business, as 
the means of advancing private interest. No man 
in the service had more reasons to wish and pant 
for retirement than Gen. Jackson. His solicitude 
as commander — his extremely debilitated state of 
health— the disaffection of his men — the deficiency 
of supplies for his army — the conduct of the East 
Tennessee militia, under Gen. Cocke, and the open 
mutiny of some part of his army, presented a tis- 
sue of discouraging considerations, which would 
have disheartened a man of more than ordinary 
fortitude. Had he retired fromUhe service of his 
country at this time, he would have retired with 
honour and with approbation. But he believed, 
and he acted upon the principle, that until " all 
was done^ nothing was done^ He knew that the 



100 MEMOIRS OF 

hopes of the frontier settlers of Tennessee and 
Georgia were fixed upon him ; he knew that they 
had derived encouragement from his successes, and 
that from his exertions they hoped to be placed in a 
state of permanent security. Having encountered 
and overcome difficulties before, he resolved to 
encounter thiem again, for he was now in the midst 
of them^ 

The " Tennessee Volunteers,'* claimed to be dis- 
charged, on the ground of having served one year 
out of two, from the time they were organized. 
Many of the officers who belonged to this corps, 
deserted the ground they ought to have fiiaintained 
as soldiers, and resorted to arguments which would 
have disgraced pettifoggers. Although they had 
not served a year, they had for that period been 
organized, and they were very much disposed to 
give weight to arguments which coincided with 
their inclinations. They resolved to leave a wil- 
derness where they were surrounded by implacable 
enemies, exposed to severe privations, and in ex« 
pectation of enduring the dreadful horrors of fam- 
ine. General Jackson exerted every faculty to 
arouse their desponding spirits. He appealed to 
the pride of the volunteers, by reminding them of 
the expedition to Natchez, and of the victories which 
they and the militia had gained over tlie Creeks. 
He appealed to the sensibility of them all, by rep- 
lesenting the danger of their fathers and raothers,^ 



ANDKEW JACKSON. 101 

their wives and children. He alluded to the mas- 
sacre at Fort Mimms, in Mississippi, and endeavour- 
ed to arouse their revenge. He endeavoured to 
excite their vanity, by speaking of the fame the 
" Tennessee Volunteers" had acquired at Tallus- 
hatches and Talladega, But every avenue to per- 
suasion was closed. The cogent addresses of the 
general, were lost upon the apathy of the soldiers, 
and the volunteers became mutineers. The gene- 
ral laid aside the language of entreaty, and assumed 
that of command. He prevented, at the hazard 
of his life, the departure of the troops ; but soon 
found that an army which required one half of it 
to guard the other, had no efficiency. He ordered 
them to be marched home, and to be disposed of 
by the President or the Governor of Tennessee. 

It was now about the middle of December. 
General Cocke, had for the first time joined General 
Jackson ; but upon finding the time for which his 
men were enlisted, had nearly expired, and that he 
could not hope from patriotism, what he could not 
enforce by power, he ordered Gen. Cocke to march 
his troops home. But few troops now remained 
with Gen. Jackson. Soon after the battle of Tal- 
ladega, Brig. Gen. Coflfee's mounted volunteers and 
cavalry were permitted to retire into the settle- 
ments, to recruit their horses. They were to ren- 
dezvous at Huntsville, in Mississippi, upon the 8th 

December, where Gen. Coffee was dangerously 
12 



102 MEMOIRS OF 

sick- Upon this excellent officer and his gallant 
men, Gen. Jackson placed (he most confident reli- 
ance. They rendezvoused upon the 8lh ; but they 
had caught the infection that pervaded the infantry 
— the fever of private life. They however pro- 
ceeded toward head-quarters ; but they were no 
longer " the men they were**^ It must always be 
admitted, that they had already rendered essential 
service to their country, and it was the reputation 
they had acquired, that rendered it desirable to 
have them continue in the service. Gen.. Jackson,^ 
seconded in all his views by the gallant CoJTee, and 
by many patriots of the first water, exerted again 
his great powers ; but exerted them in vain. Gov. 
Blount ordered the volunteers to be disrnissedy and 
they returned home. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 103 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Gen. Jackson's situation at the commencement of 1814 — his hopes 
revive — Victory at Eccanachaca, or Holy Ground — Witherford, 
the Indian Prophet — Col. Carroll joins Gen. Jackson — Victories at 
Emuckfaw, Jan. 22d — at Enotachopco, the 24th— Gen. Jackson's 
official report of them — Applause bestowed upon soldiers. 

Gen. Jackson was now in a situation which re- 
quired all the fortitude of the man — all the nerve 
of the soldier, and all the sagacity of the statesman. 
He held frequent communications with Gov. Blount 
of Tennessee, Gov. Early of Georgia, and Maj. 
Gen. Pinckney ; and his opinion seemed to be a 
guide for t heir's. Certain it is, that Gov. Blount, 
toward the close of 1813, owing to the disaffection 
of the Tennessee troops, and the reluctance with 
which volunteers appeared, recommended an aban- 
donment of the expedition into the Creek country. 
The urgent and cogent expostulations of General 
Jackson, induced him to change his opinion, and to 
resort to the most energetic measures to prosecute, 
the war which had been so successfully commenced 
by him. 

Perhaps the situation of Gen. Jackson, at this 
time, cannot be better described than it is in the 



104 



MEM0IRS OF 



following letter, written by a gentleman, known by 
the author to be of the first respectability, 

« Huntsville, M. T. Dec. 23, 1813. 

" Since the battle of Tallushatches and Tallade- 
ga, the army of General Jackson has crumbled to 
pieces. The whole of his volunteer infantry are re- 
turning home — insisting that their time of service 
expired on the lOih of this month, being the anni- 
versary of their rendezvous at Nashville. The gen- 
eral, however, did not discharge them — the decision 
is left with the governor of Tennessee. What he 
will do, is not yet known. The universal impres- 
sion, however, is, that they will be discharged. Yet 
nothing is more clear than that they have not served 
12 months — and they were, by law, to serve 12 
months in a period of 2 years, unless sooner dischar- 
ged. The general's force now at Fort Strother, Ten 
Islands of Coosa, may amount to about 1500 men, 
chiefly drafted militia. Of these, nearly the whole 
will be entitled to discharge about the 4th of the 
ensuing month. It is supposed that not more than 
150, or 200, (who are attached to the general per- 
sonally, and will remain through motives of affec- 
tion,) will be left with him after that day. Doubt- 
less you know that the brigade of cavalry volunteers 
and mounted riflemen, under the command of Gen. 
Coffee, were some time since ordered into the settle- 
ments, to recruit their horses for a few days, and 



ANDREW JACKJiur*. 105 

procure new ones. About half, perhaps 800, ap- 
peared at the day and place of rendezvous ; but of 
these not more than 600 would consent to go on af- 
ter the 10th. About half of this last number were 
of the old volunteer cavalry ; the rest mounted 
men, newly raised. The first will certainly return 
with the volunteer infantry, their term commencing 
and expiring together. The last claim a discharge 
at the expiration of three months from the day they 
were mustered into service ; which must be nearly 
out. We may say, then, that all these arc gone too. 
Yet Gen. Jackson has very recently received an or- 
der from Gen. Pinckney, to garrison and maintain 
every inch of ground he gains. And although all 
active exertions of the campaign seem to be para- 
lyzed, I still hope this may, and will be done. Gen. 
CockjB is now in E. Tennessee, endeavouring to col- 
lect a new levy ; as to his success we know nothing. 
But General Roberts, from West Tennessee, passed 
through our country three days ago, and has just 
crossed the river with about 250 men. Col. Car- 
roll, inspector-general of this army, arrived to-day 
with a force of 5 or 600, and 4 companies are pro- 
posed to be sent from this county. How long these 
men are to serve, I know not— not longer I fancy 
than three months, I trust, however, that this sys- 
tem of short service, wretched as it is inefficient, and 
expensive above all others, will yet enable Jackson 
to occupy till spring the ground he has won. Per* 



106 MEMOIRS OF 

haps the return of moderate weather, and great ef- 
forts meanwhile, may collect around his banner, an 
army sufficient to effect the complete discomfiture 
and prostration of the Creek power. This, however, 
will be every day a work of greater difficulty. The 
English have already appeared in force at Pensaco- 
la, 7 sail having troops on board, besides 2 bomb 
vessels. Orleans will be menaced. Mobile is con- 
sidered in great danger. The force on the Tombig- 
bee waters, and the 3d regiment ascending the Ala- 
bama, will be called to its defence. This gives the 
Creeks breathing time, and lessens the force desti- 
ned to crush them. Augustine, too, will doubtless 
be occupied by British troops; and from these 
points, arms, ammunition, and perhaps men and 
leaders, will be pushed up to the aid of the Upper 
and Middle Creeks. The Seminoles, and the runa- 
way negroes among them, may be turned loose up- 
on the sea-coast of Georgia." 

To experienced officers and soldiers, who know 
the importance of t fficient authority in a command- 
er, and the necessity of strict obedience in an army, 
the circumstances in which Gen. Jackson was pla- 
ced, would be considered as calculated to excite ap- 
prehensions, if not discouragement. His army was 
an anomaly in military tactics. It would remind a 
spectator of a board of actors at a theatre, who indi- 
vidually entered the stage — performed the part of 



ANDREW JACKSON. 107 

a comedian or a tragedian, and made each one his 
exit, as whim or fancy dictated — and returned at- 
call of the manager, or disappeared for ever. 

The firmness, the constancy, and the courage of 
Gen. Jackson, increased as the prospects of success 
diminished. As to his enemies, the Creeks, he was 
ready to meet them with almost any disparity of 
force. To meet them was to conquer them. But 
to see his friends disheartened, and his secret ene- 
mies plotting his discomfiture, was "Me unkindest 
cut of all,''* and would have justified him in exclaim- 
ing, with a most pathetic bard — 

" The shaft that deepest in my bosom went, 

" Flevv fron the bow pretended friendship bent." 

Gen. Jackson found every appeal he made to the 
patriotism of the troops, when the day of discharge 
arrived, wholly fruitless, and he no longer attempt- 
ed to detain them. It was to him a source of real 
consolation, however, that a number of personal 
friends, and accomplisiied officers, remained true to 
him, to their country, and to their God. From 
them, he knew he should derive every assistance in 
preparing the new recruits, who were assembling at 
Iluntsville, in Mississippi, and who had not become 
infected with mutiny. 

As the most impervious darkness is said to per- 
vade the horizon immediately before the dawn of 
day, so when the (darkest clouds of adversity en- 
veloped General Jackson, and his few patriotic asso- 



108 MEMOIRS OF 

ciates, the most cheering reverse of fortune was at 
hand. 

Although there was no immediate connection be- 
tween the volunteers upon the Alabama river, under 
the command of Brig. Gen. Claiborne, yet the forces 
under each, as well as those under the gallant Gen. 
Floyd, ail acted in concert. Gen. Jackson was con- 
stantly advised of their movements, and constantly 
exerting himself to relieve them. He had no wish 
to monopolize the glory of conquering the most 
warlike tribe of barbarians in the universe. He 
wished for no laurels, but the gratitude of his coun- 
trymen, for the protection which he and other gal- 
lant officers and soldiers might secure for them. 

About the ]st of January, 1814, he received the 
animating intelligence that General Claiborne had 
achieved an important victory upon the Alabama, 
more than one hundred miles above Fort Stoddart, 
his head quarters. The town where the battle was 
fought, was called Eccanachaca, or Holi/ Ground, 
It was the residence of Witherford, Francis, and 
Sinquister, principal prophets. It was built since 
the commencement of hostilities, as a place of secu- 
rity for the natives, and as a depot for provisions. 
Like Jutousser, it was deemed the grave of white 
men. Upon the 23d December, it was attacked ; 
between thirty and forty warriors were slain ; the 
whole town, of 200 houses, destroyed, and an im- 
mense quantity of provisions taken. The town be- 



ANDREW JACKS OJf. 



im 



ing surrounded by swamps and deep ravines, facili- 
lated the escape of the savages from the pursuit of 
the Americans. The next day, a town of sixty 
houses, about eight miles above the holy ground, 
was destroyed ; together with three distinguished 
Indians, and all the Indians' boats. 

Witherford, the Indian Prophet just mentioned, 
was the commander of the Indians, in their furious 
and murderous attack upon Fort Mimms, at Tensaw 
settlement, in Mississippi. He narrowly escaped 
capture, and continued to fight with the rage oi a 
fanatic, the fury of a d«mon, and tlie diabolical fe- 
rocity of a devil incarnate, until, saturated with the 
blood of Americans, and witnessing the almost total 
extinction of his own tribe, he voluntarily and 
dauntlessly flung himself into the hands of General 
Jackson, and demanded his protection. He will 
again be mentioned. 

While these interesting events were transpiring 
upon the Alabama, a newly organized corps were 
raising in Tennessee and Mississippi, to resort to the 
standard of Gen. Jackson, who were designed, with 
those who should follow them, to put an end to the 
most sanguinary war which savage vengeance, aid- 
ed by British gold, and Spanish perfidy, ever pro- 
secuted. 

A gallant oflicer now commenced his military Ca- 
reer, which was consummated at New-Orleans, by 

% crown of unfading laurels-^Col. Carroll. Hg 
K 



110 MEMOIRS OF 

proceeded to Fort Strother upon the 2d January s^ 
1814}, to concert measures with Gen. Jackson. They 
were concerted and executed with a celerity which 
may well astortish the veteran marshals of Europe. 

It would be unpardonable in the author to at- 
tempt to detail them in his own language, since he 
has it in his power to present the reader with the 
deeply interesting official report which follows. 

MAJ. GEN. JACKSON, OF TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS, TO 
MAJ. GEN. PINCKNEY, OF THE U. S. ARMV. 

Head Quarters, Fort Strother ^ 
Jan, 29, 1814. 
Maj. Gen. Thomas Pinckney, 

Sir,—- 1 had the honour of informing you in a let- 
ter of the 31st ult. [express,] of an excursion I con- 
templated making still further in the enemy's coun- 
try, with the new raised volunteers from Tennessee. 
I had ordered those troops to form a junction with 
me on the 10th iust. but they did not arrive until 
the 14th. Their number, including officers, was 
about 800, and on the 15th I marched them across 
the river to graze their horses. On the next day I 
followed with the remainder of my force, consisting 
of the artillery company, with one six pounder ; 
one company of infantry, of 48 men ; two compa- 
nies of spies, commanded by Captains Gordon and 
Russell, of about 30 men each ; and a company of 
volunteer officers, headed by Gen. Coffee, who had 
been abandoned by his men, and who still remained 



ANDREW JACKSON. Ill 

fn the field, awaiting the orders of the government; 
making my force, exclusive of Indians, 930. 

The motives which influenced me to penetrate 
still farther into the enemy's country, with thi§ 
force, were many and urgent. The terms of ser- 
vice ol the new raised volunteers was short, and a 
considerable part of it was expired ; they were ex- 
pensive to the government, and were full of ardour 
to meet the enemy. The ill effects of keeping sol- 
diers of this description long stationary and idle, I 
had been made to feel but too sensibly already- 
other causes concurred to make such a movement 
not only justifiable, but absolutely necessary. I had 
received a letter from Capt. M'Alpin, of the 5th 
Inst, who commanded at Fort Armstrong in the ab- 
sence of Col. Snodgrass, informing me that 14 or 15 
towns of the enemy, situated on the waters of the 
Tallapoosa, were about uniting their forces, and at- 
tacking that place, which had been left in a very 
feeble state of defence. You had, in your letter of 
the 24th ull. informed me that Gen. Floyd was 
about to make a movement to the Tallapoosa, near 
its junction with the Coosa ; and in the same letter, 
had recommended temporary excursions against 
such of the enemy's towns, or settlements, as might 
be within striking distance, as well to prevent my 
men from becoming discontented, as to harass the 
enemy. Your ideas corresponded exactly with my 
4>wn, and I was happy in the opportunity of keep- 



112' 3IEM0rilS ©F 

ing my men engaged, distressing the enemy, and ac 
the same time making a diversion to facilitate the 
operations of Gen. Floyd. 

Determined by these and other considerations, 
T took up the line of march on the ITth inst. and 
on the 18th encamped at Talladega Fort, where I 
was joined by between 2 and 300 friendly Indians; 
65 of whom were Cherokees, the balance Creeks. 
Here I received your letter of the 9th inst. stating 
that Gen. Floyd was expected to make a move- 
ment from Cowetau the next day, and that in 10 
days thereafter he would establish a firm position 
at Tuckbatchee; and also a letter from Col. Snod- 
grass, who had returned to Fort Armstrong, inform- 
ing me that an attack was intended to be soon made 
on that fort, by 900 of the enemy. If I could have 
hesitated before, I could now hesitate no longer. I 
resolved to lose no time in meeting this force, which 
was understood to have been collected from New 
Yorcau, Oakfuskie, and Ufauley towns, and v/ere 
coDcent rated in a bend of the Tallapoosa, near the 
mouth of a creek, called Emuckfau, and on an isl- 
and below New Yorcau. 

On the morning of the 20tb, your ietter of the 
10th inst. forwarded by M'Candles, reached me at 
the Hillahee creek ; and that night I encamped at 
Enotachopco, a small Hillabee village, about 12- 
seniles from Emuckfau. Here I began to perceive 
yery j^lainly how little knowledge my spies had of 



ANDREW JACKSON. 113 

the country, of the situation of the enemj^, or of 
the distance I was from them. The insubordina*- 
tion of the new troops, and the want of skill in 
most of their officers, also became more and more 
apparent. But their ardour to meet the enemy 
was not diminished ; and I had sure reliance upon 
the guards, and upon the company of old volunteer 
officers, and upon the spies, in all about 125, My 
wishes and my duty remained united, and I was 
determined to effect, if possible, the objects for 
which the excursion had been principally under- 
taken. 

On the morning of the 21st, I marched from 
^notachopco, as direct as I could for the bend of 
the Tallapoosa, and about 2 o'clock, P. M. my spies 
having discovered two of the enemy, endeavoured 
to overtake them, but failed. In the evening I fell 
in upon a large trail, which led to a new road, much 
beaten, and lately travelled. Knowing that I must 
have arrived within the neighbourhood of a strong 
force, and it being late in the day, I determined to 
encamp, and reconnoitre the country in the night* 
I chose the best site the country would admit, en- 
camped in a hollow square, sent out my spies and 
pickets, doubled my sentinels, and made the neces- 
sary arrangements before dark, for a night attack. 
About 10 o'clock at night, one of the pickets fired 
at three of the enemy, and killed one, but he was 

not found until the next day. At 11 o'clock, the 
K 2 



114 MEMOIRS OF 

Spies vvhora I had sent out, returned with the infor- 
mation, that there was a large encampment of In- 
dians at the distance of about three miles, who, from 
their whooping and dancing, seemed to hv apprized 
of our approach. One of these spies, an Indian, in 
whom I had great confidence, assured me that thejr 
were carrying oif their women and children, and' 
that the warriors would either make their escape, 
or attack me before day. Being prepared at all 
points, nothing remained to be done but to await 
their approach, if they meditated an attack, or to 
be in readiness, if they did not, to pursue and attack 
them at day light. While we were in this state of 
readiness, the enemy, about 6 o'clock in the morn^ 
ing, commenced a vigorous attack on my left flank,, 
which was vigorously met : the action continued to 
rage on ray left flank, and on the left of my rear, 
for about half an hour. The brave Gen. CoA'cCj 
with Col. Sitto, the adjutant-general, and Col. Car- 
roll, the inspector-general, the moment the firing 
commenced, mounted their horses and repaired to 
the linCj encouraging and animating the men to the 
performance of their duty. So soon as it became 
light enough to pursue, the left wing having suS' 
tained the heat of the action, and being somewhat 
weakened, was reinforced by Capt. FerrilPs compa» 
ay of infantry, and was ordered and led on to the 
charge by Gen. CoSeCy who was weli' supported by 
Col", Higgtns aad the inspector-general, and by al!/ 



ANDREW JACKSON. 115s 

?he officers and privates who composed that line. 
The enemy was completely routed at every pointy 
and the friendly Indians joining in the pursuit, 
they were chased about two miles with considerable 
slaughter. 

The chase being over, I imuiediately detached 
Gen. Coflee with 400 men, and all the Indian force^ 
to burn their encampment ; but it was said by some 
to be fortified. I ordered him in that event, not 
to attack it until the artillery could be sent forward 
to reduce it. On viewing the encampment and its 
strength, the general thought it most prudent to 
return to my encampment, and guard the artillery 
thither. The wisdom oi this step was soon discov- 
ered — in half an hour after his return to camp, a 
Gocsiderable force of the enemy made its appear- 
ance on my right fiank, and commenced a brisk fire 
on a party of men, who had been on picket guard 
the night before, and were then in search of the In- 
dians they had fired upon, some of whom they be- 
lieved had been killed. Gen. CofiTee immediately 
requested me to let him take 200 men, and tura 
their left flank^ which I accordingly ordered; but, 
through some mistake, which I did not then observe,. 
Hot more than 54 followed him, among whom were 
the old volunteer officers. With these, however, 
he immediately commenced an attack on the left 
Bank of the enemy ; at which time I ordered 200 of 
the friendly Indians, to fall in upon the right fiank of 



116 MEMOins OP 

the enemy, and co-operate with the general. This 
order was promptly obeyed, and on the moment of 
its execution, what I expected was realized. The 
enemy had intended the attack on the right as a 
feint, and expecting to direct all my attention 
thither, meant to attack me again, and with their 
main force, on the left flank, which they had hoped 
to find weakened and in disorder — they were dis- 
appointed. I had ordered the left flank to remain 
firm in its place, and the moment the alarm gun 
was heard in that quarter, I repaired thither, and 
ordered Capt. Ferrill, part of my reserve, to sup- 
port it. The whole line met the approach of the 
enemy with astonishing intrepidity, and having 
given a few fires, they forthwith charged with great 
vigour — the effect was immediate and inevitable. 
The enemy fled with precipitation, and were pur- 
sued to a considerable distance, by the left flank 
and the friendly Indians, with a galling and de- 
structive fire. Col. Carroll, who ordered the charge, 
led on the pursuit, and Col. Higgins and his regi- 
ment again distinguished themselves. 

In the mean time, Gen. Cofi'ee was contending 
with a superior force of the enemy. The Indians 
who I had ordered to his support, and who had set 
out for this purpose, hearing the firing on the left, 
had returned to that quarter, and when the enemy 
were routed there, entered into the chase. That 
being now over, I forthwith ordered Jim Fife, who 



ANDREW JACKSON. IIT 

was one of the principal commanders of the friend- 
iy Creeks, with 100 of his warriors, to execute my 
first order. So soon as he reached Gen. Coffee, the 
charge was made, and the enemy routed ; they 
were pursued about three miles, and 45 of them 
slain, who were found. Gen, Coffee was wounded 
in the body, and his aid-de-camp, A. Donaldson^ 
killed, together with three others. Having brought 
in and buried the dead, and dressed the wounded, 
I ordered my camp to be fortified, to be the better 
prepared to repel any attaclt which might be made 
in the night, determined to make a return march 
to Fort Strother the following day. Many causes 
concurred to make such a measure necessary, as I 
had not set out prepared, or with a view to make 
a permanent establishment. I considered it \^orse 
than useless to advance, and destroy an empty en- 
campment. I had, indeed, hoped to have met the 
enemy there, but having met and beaten them a 
little sooner, I did not think it necessary or prudent 
to proceed any farther— not necessary, because I 
had accomplished all I could expect to effect by 
marching to their encampment ; a.nd because if it 
was proper to contend with and weaken their forces 
still farther, this object would be more certainly 
attained, by commencing a return, which having 
to them the appearance of a retreat, would inspirit 
them to pursue me. Not prudent — because of the 
member of my wounded ; of the reinforcemeot^ 



118 MEMOIRS OF 

from below, which the enemy might be expected 
to receive ; of the starving condition of my horses, 
they having had neither corn nor cane for two days 
and nights ; of the scarcity of supplies for my men, 
the Indians who joined me at Talladega having 
drawn none, and being wholly destitute ; and be- 
cause if the enemy pursued me, as it was likely 
they would, the diversion in favour of Gen. Floyd 
would be the more complete and eifectual. Influ- 
enced by these considerations, I commenced my 
return march, at half after ten on the 23d, and was 
fortunate enough to reach Enotachopco before night, 
having passed without interruption, a dangerous 
defile occasioned by a hurricane. I again fortified 
my camp, and having another defile to pass in the 
morning, across a deep creek, and between two 
hills which I had viewed with attention as 1 passed 
on, and where I expected I might be attacked, 1 de- 
termined to pass it at another point, and gave di- 
rections to my guide and fatigue men accordingly. 
My expectation of an attack in the morning was 
increased by the signs of the night, and with it my 
caution. Before I moved the wounded from the 
interior of my camp, I had my front and rear guards 
formed, as well as my right and left columns, and 
moved ofi^ my centre in regular order, leading down 
a handsome ridge to Enotachopco creek, at a point 
where it was clear of reed, except immediately on 
its margin. I had previously issued a general order, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 119 

pointing out the manner in whicti the men should 
be formed in the event of an attack on the front or 
rear, or on the flanks, and had particularly caution- 
ed the officers to halt and form accordingly, the 
instant the word should be given. 

The front guard had crossed with part of the 
flank columns, the wounded were over, and the ar- 
tillery in the act of entering the creek, when an 
alarm gun was heard in the rear. I heard it with- 
out surprise, and even with pleasure, calculating 
with the utmost confidence on the firmness of my 
troops, from the manner in which I had seen them 
act on the 22l\. T had placed Col. Carroll at the 
head of the centre column of the rear guard ; its 
right column was commanded by Col. Perkins, and 
its left by Col. Stump. Having chosen the ground, 
I expected there to have entirely cut oiT the enemy, 
by wheeling the right and left columns on their pi- 
vot, recrossing the creek above and below, and fall- 
ing in upon their flanks and rear. But to my aston- 
ishment and mortification, when the word was given 
by Col. Carroll to halt and form, and a few guns 
had been fired, I beheld the right and left columns 
of the rear guard precipitately give way. This 
shameful retreat was disastrous in the extreme ; 
it drew along with it the greater part of the centre 
column, leaving not more than 25 men, who being 
formed by Col. Carroll, maintained their ground 
as long as it was possible to maintain it ; and it 



i^O MEMOIRS OF 

brought consternation and confusion into the centre 
of the army ; a consternation which was not easily 
removed, and a confusion which could not be soon 
restored to order. There was then ieft to repulse 
the enemy, the few who remained of the rear guard, 
the artillery company, and Capt. Russei^s company 
of spies. They however, realized, and exceeded, 
my liighest expectations. Lieut. Armstrong, who 
commanded the artillery company in the absence 
of Capt. Deaderick, (confined by sickness,) order- 
ed them to form and advance to the top of the hill, 
whilst he and a few others dragged up the six 
pounder. Never was more bravery displayed than 
on this occasion. Amidst the most galling fire 
from the enemy, more than ten times their number, 
they ascended the hill, and maintained, their posi- 
tion until their piece was hauled up, when having 
levelled it, they poured upon the enemy a fire of 
grape, reloaded and fired again, charged and re- 
pulsed them. 

The most deliberate bravery was displayed by 
Constantine Perkins and Craven Jackson, of the 
artillery, acting as gunners. In the hurry of the 
moment, in separating the gun from the limbers, 
the rammer and picker of the cannon was left tied 
to the limber. No sooner was this discovered, 
than Jackson, amidst the galling fire of the enemy, 
pulled out the ramrod of his musket and used it 
as a picker ; primed with a cartridge and fired the 



ANDREW JACKSON. 121 

cannon. Perkins having pulled off his bayonet, 
used his musket as a rammer, drove down the cart- 
ridge; and Jackson using his former plan, again 
discharged her. The brave Lieut. Armstrong, just 
after the first fire of the cannon, with Capt. Ham- 
ilton of East Tennessee, Bradford and M'Gavock, 
all fell, the Lieut, exclaiming as he lay, <» my brave 
fellows^ some of you may fall, but you must save the 
cannon,''^ About this time, a number crossed thf 
creek and entered into the chase. The brave 
Capt. Gordon of the spies, who rushed from the 
front, endeavoured to turn the flank of the enemy, 
in which he partially succeeded, and Col. Carroll, 
Col. Higgins, and Capts. Elliot and Pipkins, pursu- 
ed the enemy for more than two miles, who fled in 
consternation, throwing away their packs, and leav- 
ing 26 of their warriors dead on the fi<.'ld. This last 
defeat was decisive, and we were no more disturbed 
by their yells. I should do injustice to my feelings 
if I omitted to mention that the venerable Judge 
Cocke, at the age of 65, entered into the engage- 
Dient, continued the pursuit of the enemy with 
youthful ardour, and saved the life of a fellow sol- 
dier, by killing his savage antagonist. 

Our loss in this affair was — killed and wounded, 
among the former was the brave Capt. Hamilton 
from E. Tennessee, who had with his aged father 
and two others of his company, after the period of 

his engagement had expired, volunteered his servi- 
L 



122 ' MEMOIRS Of "^ 

ces for this excursion, and attached himself to the 
artillery company. No man ever fought more 
bravely, or fell more gloriously ; and by his side 
fell with equal bravery and glory. Bird Evans of 
the same company. Capt. Quarles, who command- 
ed the centre column of the rear guard, preferring 
death to the abandonment of his post, having taken 
a firin stand in which he was followed by 25 of his 
men, received a wound in his head of which he ha« 
since died. 

In these several engagements, our loss was 20 
killed and 75 wounded, 4 of whom have since died. 
The loss of the enemy cannot be accurately ascer- 
tained ; 189 of their warriors were found dead ; 
but this must fall considerably short of the number 
really killed. Their wounded can only be guessed 
at. 

Had it not been for the unfortunate retreat of the 
rear guard in the affair of the 24ith inst. I think I 
could safely have said, that no army of militia ever 
acted with more cool and deliberate bravery : un- 
disciplined and inexperienced as they were, their 
cond'act in the several engagements of the 22d, 
could not have been surpassed by regulars. No 
men ever met the approach of an enemy with more 
intrepidity, or repulsed them with more energy. 
On the 24;th, after the retreat of the rear guard, 
they seemed to have lost ail their collectedness, and 
were more difficult to be restored to order, than 



ANDREW JACKSON. 123 

any troops I had ever seen. But this was no doubt, 
owing in a great measure, or allogetherj to that 
very retreat, and ought rather to be ascribed to the 
want of conduct in many of their officers, than any 
cowardice in the men, who on every occasion, have 
manifested a willingness to perform their duty so 
far as they knew it. 

All the effects which were designed to be pro- 
duced by this excursion, it is believed have been 
produced. If an attack was meditated against Fort 
Armstrong, that has been prevented. If General 
Floyd is operating on the east side of the Tallapoo- 
sa, as I suppose him to be, a most fortunate di- 
version has been made in his favour. The number 
of the enemy has been diminished, and the confi- 
dence they may have derived from the delays I 
have been made to experience, has been destroyed. 
Discontent has been kept out of my army, while 
the troops who would have been exposed to it, have 
been beneficially employed. The enemy^s country 
has been explored, and a road cut to the point 
where their force will probably be concentrated, 
when they shall be driven from the country below. 
But in a report^ of this kind, and to you who will 
immediately perceive them, it is not necessary to 
state the happy consequences which may be ex- 
pected to result from this excursion. Unless I am 
greatly mistaken, it will be found to have hastened 
the termination of the Creek war, more effectually 



I24i , MEMOIRS OF 

than any measure I could have taken with the troops 
under my command. I am, Sir, with sentiments of 
high respect, your obedient servant, 

ANDREW JACKSON, Maj. Gen. 

When it is considered what troops Gen. Jackson 
had to command, and what enemies he had to fight, 
the two victories at Eiiiuck/aw, on the 22d, and the 
signal one of Enotachopco, on the 24th, will bear 
a comparison with any in modern warfare. The 
Hberal applause the general bestows upon the brave, 
and the excuse he finds for those whose " retreat 
ought rather to be ascribed to the want of conduct in 
)nany of their officers, than to any cowardice in, the 
men,^^ must endear him for ever to the soldier. 
The ^^ venerable Judge Cocke^^ (who survived,) and 
•*« the brave Lieut, Jrmstrong,^^ and Capts. Hamilton 
and Quarles, (who all fell,) are placed, by th€ gen- 
eral's report, upon the rolls of fame. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



125 



CHAPTER IX. 

Gen. Jackson prepares for a new expedition— receives an account of 
the victory at Chatahouchee— adopts a new mode to obtain sup- 
plies—Army Contractors—Energetic measures— Great victory at 
Tohopeka — Savage warfare — British and Spanish emissaries. 

The solicitude evinced by Gen. Jackson, in his 
report, incorporated in the last chapter, for the safe- 
ty, security, and success of Gen. Floyd, could not 
have escaped the attention of the reader. It must 
have been greatly diminished by the signal victo- 
ries he therein so perspicuously describes ; but this 
did not induce him to remit any of his customary 
vigilance, or to omit any measure necessary to secure 
the advantage he had gained. He had ^^ scotched 
the snake, not killed him," 

Gen. Jackson had now with him his beloved as- 
sociates, Brig. Gen. Coffee, Col. Dyer, Col. Carroll, 
Maj. Reid, (his aid,) and many other accomplished 
and patriotic officers. The disaffected officers had 
either ret i&ed to that obscurity which was their on- 
ly safety, or remained envious spectators of that ex- 
cellence which they could not reach, and detractors 
of those great men, whose gallant exploits they had 
not the courage to achieve. He hud a band of new 
volunteers, who had suddenly become veterans, and 



126 MEMOIRS OF 

familiarized with victory. But still his force was 
inadequate to the complete accomplishm^^nt of his 
primary object — the effectual subjection of the 
Creeks. He knew that the government of the 
American Republic had inviolably regarded all 
treaties made, and performed every stipulation en- 
tered into with them. He knew, and he lamented, 
the infatuation under which they acted ; and re- 
gretted that a race of beings, possessing the most 
exalted courage, should become victims in subser- 
ving the cause of the British and Spanish monarchs. 
But his duty to his country was, with him, para- 
mount to every other consideration ; and he was re- 
solved, as long as the last glimmer of hope remain- 
ed unextinguished, not to despair of the common- 
wealth. 

After the victories of the 22d and 24th, he and 
his officers were incessantly engaged in disciplining 
the forces with them, and incorporating into the 
little army such recruits as arrived. Theec duties 
were entirely different from those belonging to offi- 
cers in the regular army, at a well appointed can- 
tonment. There, the commanding and subordinate 
officers have specific duties to perform; and the 
soldiers, so far from thinking of disobedience, or 
plotting mutinies, scarcely utter a complaint. Gen. 
Jackson had never yet commanded such a body of 
men, in such a situation. His subordinate officers 
liad been his companions, and his volunteers had 



ANDREW JACKSON. , 127 

been his fellow citizens. He had depended more 
upon the weight of his character, and his devotion 
to the service, than upon military authority, to ac- 
complish what he had done. He had, in many in- 
stances, found that the most urgent entreaties, and 
the most energetic remonstrances, were ineiiectwal, 
and was now resolved to exercise the authority 
which was vested in him. 

While he was exerting every faculty which native 
energy and military authority enabled him to call 
into operation, to prepare for more important meas- 
uresv he was highly gratified at receiving the most 
favourable intelligence from the Georgia forces un- 
der Brig. Gen. Floyd. 

That ofiicer was stationed, with his troops, at 
Camp Defiance, 50 miles west of Chatahouchee, Up- 
on the 2rth January, he was assailed very early, by 
a numerous horde of savages. The sentinels were 
suddenly driven in, and a most desperate attack was 
commenced upon the lines. Geii. Floyd thus de- 
scribes the engagement. 

«' The steady firmness and incessant fire of Capt. 
Thomas's artillery, and Capt Adams's riflemen, pre- 
served our front line: both of these sufiered greatly. 
The enemy rushed within 30 yards of the artillery, 
and Capt« Broadnax, who commanded one of the 
picket guards, maintained his post with great brave- 
ry, until the enemy gained his rear, and then cut his 



128 MEMOIRS OF 

way through them to the army. On this occasion, 
Timpoochie Barnuel, a half breed, at the head of the 
Uchies, distinguished himself, and contributed to 
the retreat of the picket gaard: the other friendly 
Indians took refuge within our lines and remained 
inactive, with the exception of a few who joined our 
ranks. So soon as it became light enough to distin- 
guish objects, I ordered Majors Watson's and Free- 
man's battalions, to wheel up at right angles, with 
Majors Booth's and Cleveland's battalions, (who 
formed the right v^ing,) to prepare for the charge. 
Capt. Duke Hamilton's cavalry, (who had reached 
me but the day before,) was ordered to form in the 
rear of the right wing, to act aS circumstances should 
dictate. The order for the charge was promptly 
obeyed, and the enemy fled in every direction before 
the bayonet. The signal was given for the charge 
of the cavalry, who pursued, and sabred 15 of the 
enemy ; who left 37 dead on the field. From the 
effusion of blood, and the number of head-dresses 
and war-clubs found in various directions, their loss 
must have been considerable, independent of the 
wounded. 

I directed the friendly Indians, with Merriweth- 
er's and Ford's rifle companies, accompanied by 
Capt Hamilton's troop, to pursue them through 
Callibee swamp, where they were trailed by their 
blood, hut succeeded in overtaking but one of their 
wounded. 



ANDREW JACKSON.. 129 

Colonel Newman received three balls in the com- 
mencement of the action, which deprived me of the 
services of that gallant and useful officer. The as- 
sistant Adjt. Gen. Narden, was indefatigable in the 
discharge of his duty, and rendered important ser- 
vices : his horse was wounded under him. The 
whole of the staff was prompt, and discharged their 
duty with courage and fidelity : their vigilance, 
the intrepidity of the officers, and the firmness of 
the men, meet my approbation, and deserve the 
praise of their country. I have to regret the death 
of many of my brave fellows, who have found hon- 
ourable graves in the voluntary support of their 
country. 

My aid-de-camp, in executing my orders, had 
his horse killed under him. Gen. I^ee and Maj. 
Pace, who acted as additional aids, rendered me 
essential services, with honour to themselves, and 
usefulness to the cause in which they have embark- 
ed. Four waggon, and several other horses were 
killed, and two of the artillery horses wounded. 
While I deplore the losses sustained on this occa- 
sion, I have the consolation to know, that the men 
who I have the honour to command, have done 
their duty." 

The loss of the Americans in this battle, was 17 
killed, and 132 wounded. General Jackson found 



130 SIEMOIRS OF 

that one great object of his last brilliant expediliot?, 
was effected — the relief of the Georgia militia. 

It was now the 1st of February, 1814 General 
Jackson's forces were at Fort Strother, where, al- 
though in no immediate danger of famine, there 
was by no means a supply for any length of time. 
Gen. Jackson, ever since he had commanded the 
army in the Creek country, had had his attention 
diverted from the great object of a generaf — the 
organization of his army — the introduction of cor- 
rect discipline, and preparation for active service. 
Indeed, he had to perform the duty of Commissary, 
Quarter- Master, and Commander. Washington 
was often in his situation in the war of the Revolu- 
tion. He could find an excuse for his countrymen^ 
in the then destitute state of the country ; but for 
the contractors for the southern army in 1814, there 
was no excuse. In a country abounding in beeves, 
swine, and bread stuffs, an army had often been 
driven to mutiny and desertion, through the ap- 
prehension of want. There is, probably, not an 
officer in the American service, but who will con- 
demn the mode of supplying an army by contrac- 
tors. They make the best terms they can with the 
government for themselves ; the hardest possible 
terms for the seller of provisions ; and often furnish 
the war-worn veteran with rations deficient in quan- 
tity, and miserable in quality. They think of no- 
thing but gaining a fortune, while the gallant so!- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 131 

diers who are suffering by their frauds, and famish- 
ing by their avarice, are gaining victories for their 
country. 

Gen. Jackson, who may emphatically be called 
the Soldier's Patron, had suffered too much, with 
his brave soldiers, for longer endurance. He sup- 
plied his army by his own agents, leaving the con- 
tractors to pay the expense. When no longer any 
cause existed for complaints in his camp, he silenced 
them. He caused a mutineer to be tried by a court 
martial ; and when condemned to die, he approved 
of the sentence, and he suffered death. He ordered 
every officer to be arrested within his command, 
who should be found exciting mutiny or disobedi- 
ence. He knew that a crisis had arrived when a 
great blow must be struck, or the expedition aban- 
doned. 

The Creeks had assembled in very great force at 
the bend of the Tallapoosa, at a place called by the 
savages, Tohopeka — by the Americans, The Horse 
Shoe, At this place, the most desperate resistance 
was expected ; and every measure, within the lim- 
ited means of General Jackson, was resorted to, to 
meet it. 

The 39th regiment U. S. infantry, under the 
command of '* the intrr.pid and skilful Colonel IVil- 
liamsy'^ had been ordered to join the army under 
Gen. Jackson. It did not exceed 600 men. By 
the middle of March, his whole force amounted to 



132 MEMOIRS OF 

between 3 and 4000. He then .t^ommenced his 
march. Upon the 21st, he established a fort at 
the mouth of Cedar creek, and named it Fort /FiZ- 
liams. Leaving a sufficient force to protect it, he 
renewed his march upon the 24th. Upon the 27'th, 
a day which wiji be remembered in the traditional 
annals of the brave, the infatuated, the blood- 
thirsty Creeks, until they become extinct, General 
Jackson and his army reached Tohopeka. The 
events of that day, are thus briefly detailed by the 
commander. 

Battle Ground^ Bend of Tallapoosaf 
28th March, 1814. 
Maj. Gen. Pinckney, 

Sir, — I feel particularly happy in being able to 
commiMiicate to you, the fortunate evenluation of 
my expedition to the Tallapoosa. I reached the 
head, near the Emuckfau, called by the whites the 
Horse Shoe, about 10 o'clock, on the forenoon of 
yesterday, where I found the strength of the neigh- 
bonring towns collected. Expecting our apjToach, 
they had gathered in from Oakfuskie, Oakehoga, 
New Yorcau, Hillabees, the Eish Pond, and Eufau- 
lee towns, to the number, it is said, of 1000. It is 
diflicult to conceive a situation more eligible for de- 
fence than the one they had chosen, or one rendered 
more secure by the skill with which they had erect- 
ed their breast- work. It was from 5 to 8 feet high. 



ANODREW JACKSOK. IS^ 

mid extended across the point in such a direction, 
as that a force approaching it would be exposed to 
a double fire, while they lay in perfect security be- 
hind. A cannon, planted at one extremity, could 
have raked it to no advantage. 

Determining to exterminate them, I detached 
Gen. CoiTee, with the mounted men, and nearly the 
whole of the Indian force, early on the morning of 
yesterday, to cross the river, about two miles below 
their encampment, and to surround the bend in 
such a manner, as that none of them should escape 
by attempting to cross the river. With the infant- 
ry, I proceeded slowly, and in order, along the 
point of land which led to the front of their breast- 
work : having planted my cannon, one 6 and one 3 
pounder, on an eminence, at the distance of 150 to 
200 yards from it, I opened a very brisk fire, play- 
ing upon the enemy with muskets and riftes, when- 
ever they shewed themselves beyond it. This was 
kept up, with short interruptions, for about two 
hours, when a part of the Indian force, and Capt. 
RusselPs and Lieut. Bean's company of spies, who 
had accompanied Gen. Coffee, crossed over in canoes 
to the extremity of the bend, and set fire to a few 
of the buildings which were there situated : they 
then advanced with great gallantry towards the 
breast-work, and commenced a spirited fire upon 
the enemy behind it. 

Finding that this force, notwithstanding the 
M 



134i MEMOIRS OF 

bravery they displayed, was wholly insufficient to 
dislodge them, and that Gen. Coffee had entirely 
secured the opposite bank of the river, I now de- 
termined to take it by storm. The men by whom 
this was to be effected, had been waiting with im- 
patience to receive the order, and hailed it with 
acclamation. 

The spirit which animated them, was a sure au- 
gury of the success which was to follow. The his- 
tory of warfare, I think, furnishes few instances of 
a more brilliant attack. The regulars, led on by 
their intrepid and skilful commander, Col. Williams, 
and by the gallant Maj. Montgomery, soon gained 
possession of the works, in the midst of a most tre- 
mendous fire from behind them ; and the militia of 
the venerable Gen. Doherty*s brigade, accompanied 
them in the charge with a vivacity and firmness 
which would have done honour to regulars. The 
enemy were completely routed. Five hundred and 
fifty-seven were left dead on the peninsula, and a 
great number were killed by the horsemen in at- 
tempting to cross the river: it is believed that not 
more than 20 have escaped. 

The fighting continued with some severity about 
5 hours, but we continued to destroy many of them 
who had concealed themselves under the banks of 
the river, until we were prevented by the night 
This morning we killed 16, who had been concealed. 
We took about 250 prisoners^ all women and chil- 



ANDREW JACKSON, 135 

dren, except two or three. Our loss is 160 wound- 
ed, and 25 killed. Maj. M'Intosh, (the Cowetau,) 
who joined my army with a part of his tribe, great- 
ly distinguished himself. When I get an hour's 
leisure, I will send you a more detailed account. 

According to my original purpose, I commenced 
my return march to Fort Williams to-day, and shall, 
if I find sufficient supplies there, hasten to the Hick- 
ory Ground. The power of the Creeks is, I think, 
for ever broken. 

I send you a hasty sketch, taken by the eye, of 
the situation on which the enemy were encamped, 
and of the manner in which I approached them. I 
have the honour to be, &c. 

ANDREW JACKSON, Maj. Gen. 

Maj. Gen. Pinckney. 

The loss of the Americans, added to the whole 
loss of the friendly Indians, was 54 killed and 156 
wounded. 

In communicating the result of this victory, with- 
out a parallel, to the War Department, Gen. Pinck- 
ney elegantly and impressively observes,—'* While 
the sigh of humanity will escape, for this profuse 
effusion of human blood, which results from the 
savage principle of our enemy, neither to give nor 
accept quarter; and while every American will 
deeply lament the loss of our meritorious fellow sol- 
diers who have fallen in this contest, we have ample 



136 MEMOIRS OF 

cause of gratitude to the giver of all victory, for 
thus continuing his protection to our women, and 
children, who would otherwise be exposed to the in- 
discriminate havoc of the tomahawk, and all the 
horrors of savage warfare." 

The aged soldier who has been familiarized 
through life with civilized warfare, can form but an 
imperfect idea of war, as carried on by savages. 
Those who have passed their lives in the tranquil 
scenes of civil life, are still more incompetent to 
form a conception of its horrors. We can read its 
history and weep ; but were we to witness its tragi- 
cal scenes, even tears would be stopped, by the 
ghastly and appalling forms, in which death is pre- 
sented to the view of its victims. The writer has 
seen nothing of savage warfare, and but little of sav- 
age life in a state of peace ; but he can yet almost 
realize its horrors from impressions, never to be erad- 
icated, made upon his mind in the earliest stages of 
life. His venerated grandfather, Israel Putnam, 
** seamed with many a scar,"^ by the knives and toma- 
hawks of savages, as he was treading the last steps 
that carried him to his tomb, related to his listening 
grand-children, the tortures he had borne from sav- 
ages, and his ^^hair breadth ^ scapes'^ from savage 
death. His accomplished Aid-de-camp, General 
Humphreys, has left them upon the page of Biog- 
raphy.* 

* Vide Humphreys' Life of Putnam, pages 67, 68, 69, 83, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 137 

The severity of Gen. Jackson with the Creeks, 
has been a subject of severe animadversion with ma- 
ny who sympathize with savages, but who can rea- 
dily forget the indiscriminate slaughter at Tensawc 
Let such remember that at Fort Mimms in that set- 
tlement, the unoffending citizen was consumed by 
jgre— his beseeching wife and helpless children vvere, 
by the same tomahawk, in the same moment, inhu- 
manly murdered. And to make them withdraw 
their ill-placed sympathy, let them remember that 
the fate which there swallowed up the whole of the 
citizens, and the whole of their defenders, was de- 
clared to be the destiny of every American, within 
the reach of savage vengeance. 

Whatever injustice the Aborigines of America 
may have endured from Europeans in the early set- 
tlements of North America, they have no cause of 
complaint against the present generation of Anglo- 
Americans, who are citizens of the United States, 
nor against the government of the American Repub- 
lic. Mildness has marked the policy of individuals 
in their intercourse with the natives, and lenity and 
justice has characterized every measure of the Amer- 
ican administrations in regard to them, from the 
commencement of the government under the sainted 
Washington, to this period. While the state has 
protected them in the enjoyment of their temporal 
rights, the church has, with unceasing exertions, en- 
deavoured to convert them to Christianity. 



138 



MEMOIRS OF 



But every measure to introduce among them the 
arts of civilized life and the benign influence of 
Christianity, " to soothe the savage hreast^ has been 
thwarted by the poisonous influence of British and 
Spanish emissaries. Upon them, let a double por- 
tion of indignation be poured, as the guilty causes of 
the miseries inflicted by savages upon Americans, 
and of the almost total extinction of the Indians by 
the arm of power. Indubitable testimony will sup- 
port the assertion, that every Indian war in North 
America, from the treaty of peace in 1783, to this 
period, has been occasioned by foreign emissaries. 
Although the British government was compelled to 
acknowledge the independence of the American 
Republic, it has always endeavoured to check its 
rising greatness. They still hope to subjugate it 
to their dominion, by the power of their navy up- 
on the seaboard, and of their savage allies upon 
the frontiers; It would be a handsome accession 
to the power of the " legitimate sovereigns" of 
Europe, to behold George III. (or IV.) wielding 
the sceptre of power over North, and Ferdinand 
VII. over South America, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 139 



CHAPTER X. 

Conclusion of the Creek war — Return of Gen. Jackson and VoIuB' 
teers — their reception and separation — Gen. Jackson is appointed 
Brigadier-General in U. S. army — also a Commissioner to treat 
with Creek Indians — concludes a treaty — Foreign emissaries — In- 
dian eloquence — Speech of Witherford— of Big Warrior — of Te- 
cumseb, and his death. 

Having accomplished the object of the expedi- 
tion to the Tallapoosa^ by the victory at Tohopeka, 
Gen. Jackson returned with his army to Fort Wil- 
liams, about the 1st of April. Incessant fatigue 
and arduous duty, had retarded the recovery of 
his health, and reduced him almost to a skeleton ; 
but the animation he felt at having effected, in a 
few months, what, from every former prospect, 
would have been supposed to need the exertion of 
years, made him forget his debility ; and his mind 
arose in majesty, as his body was emaciated by toil. 
Proud of the title " Commander of Tennessee VoU 
unteersj^ he rejoiced that they had retrieved the 
reputation they had recently tarnished by mutiny 
and disaffection. 

His object now was to form a junction with the 
forces of the state of Georgia, and either complete 
the extermination of the Creeks, or compel them to 
bury the tomahawk, and sue for peace. The HiU 



140 MEMGIRS ©F 

labees, a clan of them, for reasons before mentioned, 
were the last to supplicate for mercy. The attack 
made upon them the 18th November, 1813, by 
Gen. White, when they were urgent to make peace 
with Gen. Jackson, rendered them desperate.— 
The remnants of all the tribes had assembled at 
Hothlewalee, in the Hickory Ground, Gen. Jackson 
with his forces, went in pursuit of them. But 
despair had now succeeded to fury, and the savages 
dispersed. The general prosecuted his march to 
the Hickory Ground, and on or about the 15th 
April, established a fort upon the Coosa^ near its 
confluence with the Tallapoosa, which was named 
Fort Jackson, This completed a line of posts 
through Tennessee, Georgia, and the Alabama 
Territory. 

The Georgia forces had formed a junction with 
the conquering general ; and upon the 20th April, 
Maj. Gen. Pinckney, commander in chief of Mili- 
tary Districts No. C and f, arrived at Fort Jackson, 
and assumed the command of the whole forces in 
the Creek country. Gen. Pinckney invited Gen. 
Jackson to his head quarters, where a splendid en- 
tertainment had been prepared. This emaciated 
and war-worn veteran, with some of his principal 
officers, partook of it with the Commander in Chief. 
To reciprocate the civility, the Conqueror of the 
Creeks, invited the Commander to dine with him 
at his marquee the next day. The simple diet 



ANDREW JACKSON. 141 

that had sustained him and his gallant associates 
for months, was the bill of fare. It called to mind 
gloomy and proud recollections — the dish of rice, 
and draught of whiskey, had supported them in 
times of peril — they were now enjoyed in safety. 

Never, since the discovery of America, did an 
American officer leave the command of an army, to 
his superior officer, under circumstances more aus- 
picious, than did Maj. Gen. Jackson, of Tennessee 
Yolunteers, to Maj. Gen. Pinckney, of the U. S. 
army. He assumed the command of the troops, 
only to disband them. Their work was done, and 
wqW done: Gen. Jackson, for a number of weeks 
previous, had moved with his army, with the ce- 
lerity of lightning, and like that, had prostrated 
every thing that opposed them. He might have 
said with Ciesar, " Fentf vidi, vici" — I came — I 
saw — I conquered ! 

The panic-struck savages, who had been led by 
the wild incantations of their prophets, and the 
more guilty encouragement of foreign emissaries, 
to spread devastation, havoc, carnage, and death, 
among the unoffending American settlers, humbly 
prostrated themselves before their conquerors, and 
begged for that sparing mercy which it had been 
enjoined upon them never to extend. 

Fearing to raise a hand against a white man, these 
infatuated dasmons of the forest preyed upon each 
other ; and seemed to delight in bearing and inflict- 



342 MEMOIRS Of 

ing tortures. The Creeks massacred every one of 
their tribe who were known to have attacked Fort 
Minims. 

Upon the 21st, the next day after Gen. Pinckney 
assumed the command, he ordered the Tennessee 
troops to be marched home, and discharged ; retain- 
ing, however, sufficient to garrison the established 
posts. Gen. Jackson immediately took measures to 
comply with the order. 

The following is Gen. Jackson's last communica* 
lion, as an officer in tlie military forces of Tennessee. 

Fort Williams^ April 25thy at night* 

Sir, — Gen. Pinckney joined me at Fort Jackson 
on the 20th. The enemy continuing to come in 
from every quarter, and it being now evident that 
the war was over, I received an order at 3 o'clock, 
P. M. on the 21st, to march my troops hack to Fort 
Williams, and after having dispersed any bodies of 
the enemy who may have assembled on the Cahaw- 
ba, or within striking distance, and provided for 
the maintenance of posts between Tennessee and 
Fort Jackson, to discharge the remainder. Within 
two hours after receiving this order, I was on the 
line of march ; and reached this place last evening, 
a distance of about sixty miles. 

To Brig. Gen. Doherty I shall assign the duty of 
keeping up the posts, which form the line of com* 



f 

ANDREW JACKSOH* '*** 14S 

munication between Tennessee and the confluence 
of the Coosa and Tallapoosa, making the necessary 
arrangements to enable him to do so. About 400 
of the E. Tennessee militia will be left at this place, 
250 at Fort Strother, and 75 at Fort Armstrong 
and New Deposit. Old Deposit will be maintained 
by Capt. Hammond's company of rangers. 

To-morrow I detail 500 of the militia under the 
command of Brig. Gen. Johnson, to the Cahawba, 
with instructions to unite with me at Fort Deposit, 
after having dispersed any bodies of the enemy they 
may find there assembled. 

The commissioners who have been appointed to 
make a treaty with the Creeks, need have nothing 
to do but assign them their proper limits. Those 
of the friendly party, who have associated with me, 
will be easily satisfied ; and those of the hostile par- 
ty, they consider it a favour that their lives have 
been spared them, and will look upon any space 
that may be allowed them for their future settle- 
ment, as a bounteous donation. I have taken the 
liberty to point out what I think ought to be the 
future line of separation, with which I will hereaf- 
ter make you acquainted. If they should be estab- 
lished, none of the Creeks will be left on the west of 
the Coosa. 

Accompanying this, I send you a report made by 
the Adjutant-General, of the killed and wounded at 



144 ?^ MEMOIRS OF 

the battle of Tohopeka, which was omitted to be 
sent by the former express. 

I have the honour to be, 8cc, 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

Hts Excellency Gov* IV, Blount, 

At the expiration of a few days he commenced a 
return march to his home, after an absence of eight 
months. If the sense of obligation bears any pro- 
portion to the benefits received, it may well be con- 
cluded that the people of Tennessee and Mississippi, 
must have been deeply impressed with the obliga- 
tions of gratitude to Gen. Jackson and his gallant 
volunteers. For twenty years, the frontier settlers 
had lived in a state of insecurity ; and since the 
commencement of the second war between the 
American Republic and the kingdom of Great-Brit- 
ain, in the most alarming apprehensions. 

Their danger was now removed, and their safety 
was secured. The spontaneous bursts of admira- 
tion and applause that were every where uttered, 
was more grateful to the feelings of Gen. Jackson, 
than ail the studied encomiums that could be be« 
stowed. 

Upon reaching Camp Blount, at Fayetteville, 
(Tenn.) the bond of union, which had been cement- 
ed by common danger and common toils, between 
the general and the volunteers, was dissolved. Hav- 
ing learned and discharged the duty of veteran sol- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 145 

diersy they now reverted back to industrious citi- 
zens ; ready, at no distant period, to follow their 
beloved chief, to conquer a civilized, as they al- 
ready had done, a barbarous foe. While tears of 
pungent grief were shed at the recollection of their 
brave associates, who were left to moulder in the 
graves of the wilderness, those of exquisite joy flow- 
ed at the safety of their fathers, and the security of 
their homes. 

Gen. Jackson having very much exceeded the 
time for which he volunteered his service, and hav- 
ing accomplished vastly more than the most san- 
guine expectations could have anticipated, was 
about to retire to the repose of private life, which 
his debilitated state of health imperiously demand- 
ed. But the portentous clouds of war, which were 
constantly augmenting upon the southern borders 
of the Republic, rendered his services, if possible, 
more necessary than they had already been. About 
the 1st June, 1814, he was appointed Brigadier- 
General in the army of the United States. 

Before he was called upon to commence his mili- 
tary career in his new capacity, he was appointed 
a commissioner, to secure by negociation what he 
had already acquired by arras. 

To make a treaty, however, with Indians, can 

hardly be called negociation, as it is considered 

among civilized powers. The law of nations, which 

requires '< good faith" between the contracting par- 
N 



14S MEMOIRS OF 

ties, is a code not recognized by American sava- 
ges. It is rather a contract of bargain and sale, 
with a penalty annexed for a breach of covenant. 
Col. Hawkins, who was appointed Indian Agent by 
Gen. Washington, and who has been in the agency 
ever since, was associated with Gen. Jackson in 
this mission. 

By the American forces, a complete conquest had 
been made of the whole Creek country ; and this 
conquest had been occasioned by flagrant breaches 
of treaty, and outrageous violations of humanity 
by the Creeks. Had the American government 
felt the cupidity, or exercised the power which the 
larger kingdoms of Europe manifest towards the 
smaller ones, the Creeks must either have fled from 
their country, or been reduced to vassalage, and 
their country itself would have been annexed to 
the R^^public. But its existence commenced upon 
the broad principles of national and individual jus- 
tice, and in the progress of its government, it has 
never deviated from them. 

The object of Gen. Jackson and the other com- 
missioners, was not so much to obtain new territo- 
ry, as to secure the acknowledged territory of the 
Republic, from the future depredations of Indian 
hostility. Upon the 10th August, 1814, a treaty 
was executed, which is before the public. It cut 
off the savages from all communication with the 
perpetual disturbers of our tranquillity, and secur- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 147 

ed to the government such privileges in their coun- 
try, as will hereafter place the frontiers out of dan- 
ger from the Creaks, 

It will be seen in the sequel what measures were 
adopted by the government and Gen. Jackson to 
secure our country against other powerful tribes, 
who were in( iled by our arch and implacable ene- 
mies, to raise the tomahawk against our country- 
men, as they had already induced the unfortunate 
Creeks to do. 

Having often been obliged, from the nature of 
the subject, to allude to the unjustifiable and rep- 
rehensible conduct of British and Spanish emissa- 
lies, 1 am confident the reader will be gratified, 
in seeing the evidence furnished by the savages 
themselves. In presenting this evidence, I furnish 
at the same time specimens of Indian eloquence, 
which have never been equalled, unless by the 
speech of Lo^a?i, as found in Jefferson's Notes on 
Virginia. The first 1 oifer, is the speech of the 
ferocious Hither /ord, previously mentioned. His 
surrender to Gen. Jackson, reminds the historian of 
Corioianus and 4ufidius — of l h mistodes and a Per^ 
sian king- xVIagnanimity in each overcame ven- 
geance. 

WITHERFORd's speech to general JACKSON. 

** I dm in your power— -do with me as you please. 
I am a soldier. I have done the white people all 



148 MEMOIRS OF 

the harm I could ; I have fought them, and fought 
them bravely : If I had an army, I would yet fight, 
and contend to the last ; but I have none; my peo- 
ple are all gone. I can now do no more than weep 
over the misfortunes of my nation. Once I could 
animate my warriors to battle ; but I cannot ani- 
mate the dead. My warriors can no longer hear 
my voice ; their bones are at Talladega, TalluS' 
hatches, Emuckfau, and Tohopeka. I have not sur- 
rendered myself thoughtlessly. Whilst there were 
chances of success, I never left my post, nor sup- 
plicated peace. But my people are gone, and I 
now ask it for my nation and for myself. On the 
miseries and misfortunes brought upon my country, 
I look back with deepest sorrow, and wish to avert 
still greater calamities. If I had been left to con- 
tend with the Georgia army, I would have raised 
my corn on one bank of the river, and fought them 
on Ihe other; but your people have destroyed my 
nation. You are a brave man — I rely upon your 
generosity. You will exact no terms of a conquered 
people, but such as they should accede to; whatev- 
er they may be, it would now be madness and folly 
to oppose. If they are opposed, you shall find me 
amongst the sternest enforcers of obedience. Those 
who would still hold out, can be influenced only by 
a mean spirit of revenge; and to this they must not, 
and shall not sacrifice the last remnant of thtir coun- 
try. You have told us where we might go, and be 



ANDREW JACKSON. 149 

safe. This is a good talk, and my nation, ought io 
listen to it. They shall listen to it." 

The second evidence, is the speech of*' The Big 
IVarrior,^^ before Gen. Jackson, Col. Hawkins, &c. 
It is with all the pleasure of delight, that I incor- 
porate this eloquent appeal to the magnanimity of 
our government, into this work. While it eulogi- 
zes the memory of our immortal political saviour 
GEOReE Washington, it also places Mr. Madison, 
in the most exalted station — the protector of the 
weak. It also repels the many insinuations which 
have been made against the long tried and faithful 
Indian agent. Col. Hawkins. It is but an ill requi- 
tal for the Jong seclusion in which the Agent has liv- 
ed ; and the pacific and salutary policy which he 
has pursued in the Creek agency, to have it hinted^ 
" that his ageney had lasted too long to hope that he 
would steadily pursue that course which the safety and 
interest of the country required.''^ But such is the 
fate of public functionaries in our Republic. James 
Monroe, and x\ndrew Jackson, than whom, more 
devoted patriots were never enrolled upon the re- 
cords of worth, have shared in public obloquy, as 
well as in public applause. Even this is not with- 
out its benefits. Jealousy is the shield of freedom, 
and results from the solicitude Americans feel for 
their sacred rights and liberties. These censures 
N2 



150 MEMOIRS OF 

serve the same purpose in our Republic, as the dust 
that was, by order, cast by lictors upon th<^ he^ds 
of the returning conquerors of the Roman Repub- 
lic, when they were passing under triumphal arches. 

JBIG warrior's speech TO THE AMERICAN 
COMMISSIONERS. 

*^ The President, our father, advises us to hon- 
esty and fairness, and promises that justice shall be 
done; I hope and trust it will be! I made this 
war, which has proved so fatal to my country, that 
the treaty entered into a long time ago, with father 
Washington, might not be broken. To his friend- 
ly arm I hold fast. I will never break that chain 
of friendship we made together, and which bound 
us to stand to the United States. He was a father 
to the Muscoga people; and not only to them, but 
to all the people beneath the sun. His talk I now 
hold in my hand. There sits the agent* he sent 
among us. Never has he broken the treaty. He 
has lived with us a long time. He has seen our 
children born, who now have children. By his 
direction, cloth was wove, and clothes were made, 
and spread through our country ; but the Red 
Sticks came and destroyed all — we have none now. 
Hard is our situation, and you ought to consider it. 
I state what all the nation knows; nothing will I 
i[eep secret. 

* Col. HawkiflS'a 



ANDREW JACKSON. 151 

r 

There is the Little Warrior, whom Col, Ham- 
kins knows. While we were giving satisfaction for 
the murders that had been committed, he proved a 
mischief-maker; he went to the British on the 
lakes ; he came back, and brought a package to the 
frontiers, which increased the murders here. This 
conduct has already made the war party to suiier 
greatly : but, although almost destroyed, they will 
not yet open their eyes, but are still led away by 
the British at Pe?isacola. Not so with us ; we 
were rational, and had our senses — we yet are so. 
In the war of the revolution, our father beyond the 
waters, encouraged us to join him, and we did so. 
We had no sense then. The promises he made 
were never kept. We were young and foolish, and 
fought with him. The British can no more per- 
suade us to do wrong: they have deceived us once, 
and can deceive us no more. You are two great 
people. If you go to war, we will have no concern 
in it ; for we are not able to fight. We wish to 
be at peace with every nation. If they offer me 
arms, I will say to them. You put me in danger, to 
war against a people born in our own land. They 
shall never force us into danger. You shall never 
see that our chiefs are boys in council, who will be 
forced to do any thing. I talk thus, knowing that 
father Washington advised us never to interfere in 
wars. He told us that those in peace were the hap- 



152 IkfEMOIRS OF 

piest people. He told us that if the enemy attack- 
ed him, he had warriors enough, and did not wish 
his red cliildren to help him. If the British advise 
us to any thing, I will tell you — not hide it from 
you — If they say we must fight, I will lei I them, 
No!" 

I now present the reader with a speech of one of 
the greatest warriors of any age, of any nation, or 
of any colour — Tecumseh. It was this Sachem and 
Prophet, who had been educated at an English sem- 
inary in Canada^ who first infused into the Creeks 
the murderous principles he had learned from Eng- 
lish Christians. He returned to his own tribe, and 
prepared them for the crusade they were to make 
with their English * fathers' against Americans. In- 
fatuated chief! ! thy blood calls aloud from the 
ground for revenge against thy perfidious mislead- 
ers. The cowardice of Proctor was as base as his 
perfidy. The simple eloquence of this child of the 
forfst, is the bitterest satire, and the most vindic- 
tive judgment against the British nation. The In- 
dians of the East, as well as of the West, form a 
** paramount inquest," whose sentence will reverse 
the judgment of the House of Lords in favour of 
Lord Hastings^ and raise indignation at the eulogies 
bestowed upon Sir George Frevost. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 153 

SPEECH OF TECUMSEH, IN THE NAME OF THE INDIAN 
CHIEFS AND WARRIORS, TO MAJ, GEN. PROCTOR, 
AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THEIR GREAT FATHER,^ 
THE KING. 

** Father— listen to your children ! You have 
thera now all before you. The war before* this, our 
British father gave the hatchet to his red children, 
when our old chiefs were alive. They are now dead. 
In that war our father was thrown on his back by 
the Americans, and our father took them by the 
hand without our knowledge ;f and we are afraid 
that our father will do so again at this time. Sum- 
mer before last, when I came forward with my red 
brethren, and was ready to take up the hatchet in 
favour of our British father, we were told not to be 
in a hurry — that he had not yet determined to fight 
the Americans. 

Listen ! -^\\ htn war was declared, our father 
stood up and gave us the tomahawk, and told us 
that he was now rea ly to strike the Americans; 
that he wanted our assistance; and that he certainly 
would get us our lands back, which the Americans 
had taken from us. 

Listenl-^Yon told us at that time, to bring for- 
ward our families to this place, and we did so; and 
you promised to take care of them, and that they 

* The revolutionary war. 

t The British made peace without any stipulation for their Indiat^ 
allies. 



154j memoirs of 

should want for nothing, while the men would go 
and fight the enemy ; that we need not trouble our- 
selves about the enemy's garrisons; that we knew 
nothing about them ; and that our father would at- 
tend to that part of the business. You also told 
your red children, that you would take good care of 
your garrison here, which made our hearts glad. 

Listen! — When we were last at the rapids, it is 
true we gave you little assistance. It is hard to 
fight people who live like ground hogs.* 

Listen Father ! — Our fleet has gone out— we know 
they have fought — we have heard the great guns, 
but know nothing of what has happened to our fa- 
ther with one arni.j" Our ships have gone one way, 
and we are very uuich astonished, to see our father 
tying up every thing and preparing to run away the 
other, without letting his red children know what 
his intentions are. You always told us to remain 
here and take care of our lands — it made our hearts 
glad to hear that u as your wish. Our great father, 
the King, is the head, and you represent him. You 
always told us you would n« ver draw your foot off 
British ground ; but now, father, we s^e you are 
drawing back, and we are sorry to see our father 
doing so, without seeing the enemy. We must 
compare our father's conduct to a fat animal that 

* During the siege of Fort Meigs, the troops covered themselves 
from the enemy's fire, by throwing up traverses and ditcli^s of eartfa. 

t Commodore Barclay, 



ANDREW^ JACKSOIf. 155 

carries its tail upon its back, but when affrighted it 
drops it between its legs, and runs oil'. 

Listen Father ! — The Araericnns iiave not yet 
defeated us by land ; neither are we sure that they 
have done so by water : we there fore wish to remain 
here and fight our enemy ^ should they muke their 
appearance. It" they defeat us, we will then retreat 
with our father. 

At the battle of the Rapids. last war, the Ameri- 
cans certainly defeated us; and when we retreated 
to our father's'^ fort at that place, the gates were 
shut against us. We uere afraid that it would now 
be the cas , hut instead of that, we see our British 
father preparing to march out of his garrison. 

Fathr! — You have got the arms and ammuni- 
tion v\ hii'h the great father sent for his red chil- 
dren. If you have any idea of going away, give 
them to us, and you may go, and welcome, for us. 
Oiir lives are in the hands of the Great Spirit— we 
are determined to defend our lands, and if it is his 
will, we wish to leave our bones upon them." 

Amherstburgh, ISth Sept. 1813. 

I present the reader with Maj. Thomas Rowland^ s 
(of the 27th U. S infantry,) accouTit oi the death 
of this great chief— <' Tecumseh is certainly killed 
— ^I saw him with my own eyes — it was the first 
time I had seen this celebrated chief. There was 

* Fort Miami, near Wayoe's battle groaocl. 



156 MEMOIRS OF 

something so majestic, so dignified, and yet so mild 
in his countenance, as he lay stretched on his back, 
on the ground where a few minutes before he had 
rallied his men to the fight, that while gazing on 
him with admiration and pity, I forgot he was a 
savage. He had received a wound in the arm, and 
had it bound up before he received the mortal 
wound. He had such a countenance as I shall nev- 
er forget.** 

Major Rowland might have exclaimed, over the 
cor^ise of Tecumseh, as Henry V. did over that of 
Fercy^^ 

«* Lie there great heart — the earth that bears thee dead, 
** Bears Dot alive so stout. **»**♦» 



.iKDREW JACKSON. l^f 



CHAPTER XL 

Spanish aggressions and perfidy — Gen. Jackson's measures to detect 
Manrequez, the Governor of Florida — his letter to hina — Danger 
of the 7th Military district — Gen. Jackson's appeal to the govern- 
ment — Mr. Monroe's measures of defence — Attack upon Fort Bow- 
yer — gallant defence of Major Lawrence'— his otficial report of iU 

The writer has attempted to shew the reader, the 
prominent features of Gen. Jackson's life, from his 
birth to the conchision of the Creek war. It is but 
a miniature, and if the figure is not finely touched, 
the delineations are confidently pronounced corrects 
To crowd a biographical sketch with minute de- 
tails of events, in which the subject of it has acted 
a conspicuous part, may swell a volume with a wil- 
derness oi ^^ words i words ^ words, ^^ Sind hide the he- 
ro of it, in the rubbish that entangles him. I cer- 
tainly have a wish, (it may be an unavailing one,) 
to keep Andrew Jackson in sighty through this 
little volume ; and although the deeply interesting 
scenes, in which he was the principal actor, must 
necessarily be adverted to, it is hoped the attention 
of the reader will not be diverted from the subject 
of these memoirs, by blending with his life, -hosC 
descriptions which more properly belong to the 

voluminous historian, than to the brief biographer. 
O 



158 MEMOIRS OF 

Gen. Jackson, having conquered the most warlike 
tribe of savages within, and perhaps without the 
Republic, by the sword, and havini; secured to his 
government the benefit of the conquest by treaty, 
he was led, not into regular negociation, but into 
singular intercourse with a power that calls itself 
civilize d I 

It is painful to see a nation, which once held an 
elevated rank among European powers, sunk to the 
lowest state of degradation. Spain, in the reign of 
Philip, menaced by its armada^ the same British 
power, which has recently dragged its imbecile, 
but tyrannical monarch from the humblest exile, 
and placed him upon the Spanish throne. Strug- 
gling to regain the power of his predecessors, and 
trembling under the rod of his imperious mistress, 
he lends all his little aid in Europe and America, to 
subserve the interest of the British government. 
Knowing that the " holy alliance'* entered into in 
1814, by the ** Allied Sovereigns," guarantees to 
each other their ancient colonies, Ferdinand VII. 
covertly gave every aid and facility to the British 
forces, in their last war against the American Repub- 
lic, once British colonies. This, Gen. Jackson full 
well knew during the prosecution, and at the close 
of the Crt^ek war. He knew that the governor of 
the Spanish province of Florida, although Spain 
was in a state of professed neutrality, either through 
fear of Britain, or hatred to America, had givers 



ANDREW JACKSON. 159 

every assistance to the Indians in their sanguinary 
war against our frontiers. 

The peace he had conquered from the Creeks, he 
was aware would not be a permanent one, nor the 
treaty he had made regarded, so long as their hos- 
tile chiefs and warriors were fostered, protected, 
and encouraged to further hostilities, by the gover- 
nor of Florida, acting under his *' adored master," 
Ferdinand VII. He was determined, if possible, 
to secure to his country the benefit of the victories 
which he had acquired, by the loss of some of his 
valiant countrymen, and by the death of hundreds 
of Creeks, who fell victims to religious fanaticism, 
and British and Spanish machinations. 

Gen. Jackson is too cautious as a statesman, and 
too generous as a soldier, to trust to vague reports, 
and unsupported assertions, as grounds of important 
measures. While making a treaty with the Creeks, 
he dispatched some of his confidential officers to 
Ptnsacolai to observe the course pursued by Gonza- 
lez MafirequeZi the Spanish governor. From the 
Greeks also, he was receiving almost daily informa- 
tion of the perfidious conduct of this obsequious 
minister of the faithless Ferdinand. 

Upon the return of his officers, that which was 
before believed upon the strongest presumptive 
evidence, was m.w reduced to absolute certainty. 

Gen. Jackson, at this time, (Sept. 1814,) had 
received no instructions from the War Department, 



160 MEMOIRS OF 

relative to the course to be pursued with the SpaK- 
ish authorities in Florida. He sent a direct mes- 
sage to Gov. Manrequez, requesting him to point 
out the course he was about to pursue. The cor- 
respondence that followed between him and Gen, 
Jackson, has long been before the public, and is too 
lengthy to be here inserted. The governor was 
less equivocal^ and more explicit than he had pre- 
viously been. He began to feel a strong assurance 
that the British government, which had restored 
his master to the throne, would support him in all 
his measures against the Republic. He knew that 
the legitimate sovereigns of Europe were safely en- 
throned, and that pride, as well as interest, would 
induce them to secure to Ferdinand VII. his South 
American colonies, and to endeavour to regain for 
George lU. the colonies he had lost in North. His 
language was confident, not to say imperious. He 
repelled the charges against himy by criminating 
the American government. The correspondence 
was closed by the following letter to him from Gen. 
Jackson. 

" Were I clothed, (says the general.) with diplo- 
matic powers, for the purpose of discussing the 
topics embraced in the wide range of injuries of 
which you complain, and which have long since been 
adjusted, 1 could easily demonstrate that the United 
Stales have been always faithful to their treaties ; 



ANDREW JACKSON. 161 

steadfast in their friendships ; nor have ever claim- 
ed any thing that was not warranted by justice. 
They have endured many insults from the govern- 
ors and other officers of Spain, which if sanctioned 
by their sovereign, amounted to acts of war, with- 
out any previous declaration on the subject. They 
have excited the savages to war, and afforded them 
the means of waging it. The property of our 
citizens has been captured at sea, and if compen- 
sat ion has not been refused, it has at least been 
withheld. But as no such powers have been dele- 
gated to me, I shall not assume them, but leave 
them to the representatives of our respective gov- 
ernments. 

I have the honour of being entrusted with the 
command of this district. Charged vyith its pro- 
tection, and the safety of its citizens, I feel my 
ability to discharge the task, and trust your excel- 
lency will always find me ready and willing to go 
forward in the performance of that duty, whenever 
eircumstances shall render it necessary. 1 agree 
with you, perfectly, that candour and polite Ian* 
guage should, at all times, characterize the com- 
munications between the officers of friendly sove- 
reignties; and I assert, without the fear of con-^ 
tradiction, that my former letters were couched in 
terms the most respectful and unexceptionable. I 
only requested^ and did not demand^ as you assert- 
ed, the ringleaders of, the Creek confederacy, wh© 
02 



Ib2 MEMOIRS Oi- 

had taken refuge in your town, and who had vioia:- 
ted all laws, moral, civil, and divine. This I had a 
right to do, from the treaty which I sent you, and 
Avhich I now again enclose, with a request that you 
will change your translation; believing, as I do^. 
that your former one was wrong, and has deceived 
you. 

What kind of an answer you returned, a reference 
to your letter will explain. The whole of it breath- 
ed nothing but hostility, grounded upon assumed 
facts, and false charges, and entirely evading the 
inquiries that had been made. 

I can but express my astonishment at your pro- 
test against the cession on the Alabama, lying within 
the acknowledged jurisdiction of the United States, 
and which has been ratified, in due form, by the 
principal chiefs and warriors of the nation. But 
my astonishment subsides, when, on comparing it, 
i find it upon a par with the rest of your letter and 
conduct; taken together, they afford a sufficient 
justification for any consequences that may ensue. 
My government will protect every inch of her ter- 
ritory, her citizens, and her property, from insult 
and depredation, regardless of the political revolu- 
tions of Europe : and although she has been at all 
times sedulous to preserve a good understanding 
with all the world, yet she has sacred rights, that 
eannot be trampled upon with impunity. Spain 
]ljad better look to her own intestine comjiiotions<. 



ANDREW JACKSON. Igg, 

before she walks forth in that majesty of strength 
and power, which you threaten to draw down upon 
the United States. Your excellency has been can- 
did enough to admit your having supplied the In- 
dians with arms. In addition to tliis, I have learn- 
ed that a British flag has been seen flying on one of 
your forts. Alt this is done whilst you are pretend- 
ing to be neutral. 

You cannot be surprised, then, but on the contra- 
ry will provide a fort in your town, for my soldiers 
and Indians, should I take it in my head to pay you 
a visit. 

In future, I beg you to withhold your, insulting 
charges against my government, for one more incli- 
ned to listen to slander than I am ; nor consider 
me any more as a diplomatic character, unless so 
proclaimed to you from the mouths of my cannon." 

It is with the highest pleasure I incorporate the 
foregoing letter into these memoirs ; and the reader 
will feel an exultation at knowing, that we have not 
only one, but many generals in the array of the Re- 
public, who unite the Statesman and the Soldier* 
Although Gen. Jackson, at the time he wrote it» 
was not clothed with diplomatic powers, he shews, 
in a few paragraphs, that he perfectly understands 
the points in controversy between the imbecile, yet 
haughty government of Spain, and the Americari 
Republic, Had he been a negociator ten years agOj 



104 MEMOIRS OF 

it would probably not now be said that America 
has been thirteen years in trying to settle our difier- 
ences with Spain, and that she may from thence in- 
fer that we shall continue to be very moderate, in 
bringing the controversy to an amicable adjustment. 
The divine dictate that requires men to *' render 
good for evil,^' has not yet been added to the code 
of the Law of Nations ; and if our Republic is dis- 
posed to act upon that principle with the allied 
sovereigns of Europe, every one of whom are anx- 
ious to destroy it, we may as well surrender our in- 
dependence at once, and revert back to a tame and 
submissive colonial state. 

Gen. Jackson was now commander in chief of the 
rth military district, including the most important 
part of the southern section of the Union. It was 
now altogether the most endangered part of it. The 
splendid victories at Chippewa^ Bridgewater, Fort 
JErie, and PlattaOurg-h, had allayed all apprehension 
from British armies in the north. The defence of 
NcjV'London and Stonington^ New- York and Baltic 
more^ had robbed British "naval demonstrations" 
of their terrors, upon the eastern seaboard. The 
British admirals and British generals, were concen- 
trating their forces, with a determination to wipe off 
the disgrace which had with justice been attached 
to them — not so much from the defeats they had 
suffered, as from the Vandalism they had displayed 
la the Chesapeake Bay, upon the Niagara frontiers. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 165 

and at the city of Washington. The utmost confi- 
dence was expressed by the British in America, of 
the success of this great and united effort of the ar» 
mies and navies of Britain ; and a British commis- 
sioner at Ghent, who at this time was negociating 
a peace with American commissioners, tauntingly 
remarked, that before they had time to conclude a 
peace, New-Orleans and the states upon the Missis- 
sippi, woakl be in possession of Sir Edward Packen- 
ham ! 

It is no more than candid to admit, that very se- 
rious apprehensions were entertained by Americans 
themselves, in regard to the safety of the southern 
section of the Union, or that part of it situated up- 
on the Gulf of Mexico, and near the mouth of the 
Mississippi. A very great proportion of the troops 
of the Republic and of the munitions of war, were 
in the northern, eastern, and middle states, at an im- 
mense distance from New-Orleans. The whole sea- 
board, from Castine to that place, was commanded 
by a superior naval force of the enemy, who could^ 
by that command, in a very short time, approach 
any " assailable point" upon the ocean. Sir George 
Prevost*s army of 14,000, were, in Lower Canada, 
burning to revenge the defeat they met with at 
Plattsburgh. I^arge reinforcements were known to 
have arrived from England in the West-Indies, un^ 
der the command of some of the most renowned 
generals in Wellington's army, and every indication 



166 MEMOIRS OF 

evinced the determination of the whole land and 
naval forces of the enemy, upon the American sta- 
tion, to make a descent near the mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi. 

Many British officers had already arrived at Pen- 
sacola, about 70 miles east of Mobile Bay, on which 
Fort Bowyer is situated. Here they were received 
•with great cordiality by the governor, and suffered 
to embody and train savages. Gen. Jackson, about 
the first of September, addressed the War Depart- 
ment in the most pressing terms. In one of his let- 
ters, he says — '« How long will the United States 
pocket the reproach and open insults of Spain ? It 
is alone by a manly and dignified course, that we 
can secure respect from other nations, and peace to 
our own. Temporising policy is not oniy a disgrace, 
but a curse to any nation. It is a fact, that a Brit- 
ish captain of marines is, and has been, for some 
time, engaged in drilling and organizing the fugi- 
tive Creeks, under the eye of the governor; endea- 
vouring, by his influence and presents, to draw to 
his standard, as well the peaceable as the hostile 
Indians. If permission had been given to me to 
march against this place, (Pensacola.) twenty days 
ago, I would, ere this, have planted there the Amer- 
ican Eagle : now we must trust alone to our valour, 
and the justice of our cause. But my present re- 
sources are so limited— a sickly climate, as well as 
an enemy to contend with, and without the means 



ANDREW JACKSON. 167 

of transportation, to change the position of my ar- 
myt that, resting; on the bravery of ray little pha- 
lanx, I can only hope for success." 

The Secretary at War, Mr. Monroe, incessantly 
exerted himself to second the measures of Gen. Jack- 
son. Having acquired Louisiana and the exclusive 
command of the Mississippi by negociation, he was 
novv called upon to defend it as the head of the War 
Department. As there was, within the Tth milita- 
ry district, but a very small amount of regular 
troops, the secretary made a requisition upon the 
executives of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, 
and Tennessee, to have their full quota of militia in 
readiness for immediate service, at the command of 
Gen. Jackson. Volunteers were again invited by 
Gen. Jackson to resort to his standard, under which 
they had always conquered. The whole civilized 
region of the Mississippi, was " wide awake." The 
unbounded popularity of Gen Jackson induced the 
militia not only with promptness, but with anima- 
tion, to repair to the rendezvous ; and the *' Tennes- 
see Volunteers," under their gallant, accomplished 
and beloved leader, Gen. Coflee, were again in mo- 
tion. They had almost invariably formed the van 
of Gen. Jackson's army ; and of their immediate 
commander, it may be said, '* he dared to lead 
where any dared to follow." 

Gen. Jackson, before the middle of September, 
had established his head quarters at Mobile^ wait- 



168 MEfilOIRS OF 

iiig the arrival of the militia and volunteers, some 
of whom had to travel more than 450 miles. Upon 
the 14th he received a message from Maj. WUliam 
Lawrence^ commander of Fort Bowyer, at the 
mouth of Mobile bay, requesting immediate assist- 
ance in the defence of that important post, as the 
enemy had landed in the vicinity of that place, 
with a force probably ten times the amount of his 
own. Maj. Lawrence had but 158 men fit for duty. 
He took immediate measures to succour this ex- 
posed garrison ; but before reinforcements could 
reach that place, it was simultaneously attacked 
upon the 15tli, by the British and Indian forces, by- 
land, and by a large naval force in the bay. The 
defence of this place is described in the finished 
style of Gen. Jackson and Maj. I^awrence. 

GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE. 

H. ^. 7th Military District y 

Mobile, Sept. nth, 1814. 

Sir — With lively emotions of satisfaction, I com- 
municate that success has crowned the gallant efforts 
of our brave soldiers, in resisting and repulsing a 
combined British naval and land force; which, on 
the 15th instant, attacked Fort Bowyer, on the 
Point of Mobile. 

I enclose a copy of the official report of Major 
William Lawrence, of the 2d infantry, who cora- 
maaded. In addition to the particulars communi- 



ANDKEW JACKSON. 1^9 

cated in his letter, I have learned that the ship 
which was destroyed was the Hermes, of from 24 
to 28 guns, captain, the Hon. Wni. H. Percy, senior 
officer in the Gulf of Mexico; and the brig so con- 
siderably damaged, is the Sophie, 18 guns, Captain 
William Lockyer ; the other ship was the Carron, 
of from 24 to 28 guns, Capt. Spencer, son of Earl 
Spencer; the other brig's name unknown. On board 
of the Carron, 85 men were killed and wounded ; 
among whom was Col. Nicholl, of the Royal Ma- 
rines, who lost an eye by a splinter. The land force 
consisted of 110 marines^ and 200 Creek Indians, 
under the command of Capt. Woodbine, of marines, 
and about 20 artillerists, with one four and an half 
inch howitzer, from which they discharged shells 
and nine pound shot. They re-embarked the piece, 
and retreated by land towards Pensacola, whence 
they came. 

By the morning report of the 16th, there were 
present in the fort, fit for duty, officers and men, 
158. The result of this engagement has stamped 
a character on the war in this quarter, highly fa- 
vourable to the American arms: it is an event from 
which may be drawn the most favourable augury. 

An achievement so glorious in itself, and so im* 
portant in its consequences, should be appreciated 
by the government , and those concerned are enti- 
tled to, and will, doubtless, receive the most gratify- 
ing evidence of the approbation of their countrymen. 



170 MEMOIRS Of 

In the words of Major Lawrence, '* where all be- 
haved well, it is unnecessary to discriminate." Bat 
all being meritorious, I beg leave to annex the names 
of the officers, who were engaged and present ; and 
hope they will, individually, be deemed worthy of 
distinction. 

Maj. Wm. Lawrence, 2d infantry, commanding; 
Capt. Walsh, of the artillery; Capts. Chamberlain, 
Brownlow, and Bradley, of the 2d infantry ; Capt. 
Sands, deputy commissary of ordnance ; Lieuts. 
Villard, Sturges, Conway, H. Sanders, T. R. San- 
ders, Brooks, Davis, and C. Sanders, all of the 2d 
infantry. 

I am confident that your own feelings will lead 
you to participate in my wishes on this subject. 
Permit me to suggest the propriety and justice of 
allowing to this gallant band, the value of the ves- 
sel destroyed by them. I remain, &c. 

ANDREW JACKSON, Brig. Gen, Com, 

l^ke Hon. Secretary of War, 

The following is " the official report of Maj. Wm. 
Lawrence," alluded to by Gen. Jackson, in his let- 
ter to the Secretary of War. 

MAJ. LAWRENCE TO GEN. JACKSON. 

Tort Bowi/er, Sept. 15th, 181 i— 
12 0^ clock at night. 
Sir, — After writing the enclosed, I was prevented 
by the approach of the enemy, from sending it by 



ANDREW JACKSON. 171 

an express. At meridian they were under full sail, 
with an easy and favourable breeze, standing di- 
rectly for the fort, and at 4 P. M. we opened our 
battery, which was returned from two ships, and 
two brigs, as they approached. The action became 
general at about 20 minutes past 4!, and was contin» 
ued, without intermission on either side, until f, 
when one ship and two brigs were compelled to re- 
tire. The leading ship, supposed to be the Com- 
modore, mounting 22 thirty-two pound carronades, 
having anchored nearest our battery, was so much 
disabled, her cable being cut by our shot, that she 
drifted on shore, within 600 yards of the battery, 
and the other vessels having got out of our reach, 
we kept such a tremendous fire upon her, that she 
was set on fire, and abandoned by the few of the 
crew who survived. At 10 P. M. we had the pleas- 
ure of witnessing the explosion of her magazine. 
The loss of lives on board must have been immense, 
as we are certain no boats left her except three, 
which had previously gone to her assistance, and 
one of these 1 believe was sunk: in fact one of her 
boats was burnt along side of her. 

The brig that followed her, 1 am certain was 
much damaged both in hull and rigging. The 
other two did not approach near enough to be much 
injured, but I am confident they did not escape, as 
a well directed fire was kept on them during the 
whole time. 



172 MEMOIRS Or 

During the action, a battery of a twelve pounder 
and a howitzer, was opened on our rear, but without 
doing any execution, and was silenced by a few shot. 
Our loss is 4) privates killed, and 5 privates wounded. 

Towards the close of the action the'^flag-staif was 
shot away j but the flag was immediately hoisted 
on a sponge staiTover the parapet. While the flag 
was down, the eneray kept up their most incessant 
and tremendous fire : the men were withdrawn from 
the curtains and north-east bastion, as the enemy'a 
own shot completely protected our rear, except the 
position they had chosen for their battery. 

Where all behaved well, it is unnecessary to dis- 
criminate. Suffice it to say, every officer and man 
did his duti/^ the whole behaved with that cool». 
Dess and intrepidity which is characteristic of the 
true American, and which could scarcely have been 
expected from men, most of whom had never seen 
an enemy, and were now, for the first time, exposed 
for nearly three hours, to a force of nearly or quite 
four guns to one. 

We fired during the action between 4 and 500 
guns, most of them double shotted, and after the 
first half hour but few missed eifect. 

September 16M, 1 1 o^clocky A. M. 

Upon an examination of our battery this morn- 
ing, we find upwards of 300 shot and shot holes, in 
the inside of (he north and east curtains, and north- 
east bastions, of all caiibresj from musket ball to 32: 



ANDREW JACKSON. ITS 

pound shot. In the north-east bastion there were 
three giuis dismounted ; one of which, a four pounds 
er, was broken off near the trunnions by a S2 pound 
shot, and another much battered. 1 regret to say 
that both the 24 pounders are cracked in such a 
manner as to render them unfit for service. 

1 am informed by two deserters from the land 
force, who have just arrived here, and whom I send 
for your disposal, that a reinforcement is expected, 
when they will doubtless endeavour to wipe off the 
stain of yesterday. 

If you will send the Amelia down, we may pro- 
bably save most or all of the ship's guns, as her 
wreck is lying in six or seven feet water, and some ol 
them are just covered. They will not, however, an- 
swer for the fort, as they are too short. 

By the deserters, we learn that the ship we have 
destroyed, was the Hermes, but her commander's 
name they did not recollect. It was the Commo- 
dore, and he dou!)tless fell on his quarter deck, as 
we had a raking fire upon it, at about 200 yards 
distance, for some time. 

To Capt. Sands, who will have the honour of 

handing you this depatch, I refer you for a more 

particular account of the movements of the enemy 

than may be contained in my letters: his services, 

both before and during the action, were of great 

importance, and I consider fully justify me in hav- 

mQ detained him. Capt. Walsh and several xmm 
V 2 



174 MEMems op 

were much burned in the accidental explosion of 
two or three cartridges. They are not included in 
the list of the wounded heretofore given. 

The enemy's fleet this morning, at day break, 
were at anchor in the channel, about four miles 
from the fort: shortly after, it got under weigh and 
stood to sea: after passing the bar, they hove to, 
and boats have been constantly passing between the 
disabled brig and the others. I presume the for- 
mer is so much injured as to render it necessary to 
lighten her. 

Fifteen minutes after 1, P, M. 

The whole fleet have this moment made sail, and 
are standing to sea. I have the honour to be, &c. 

WILLIAM LAWRENCE, 
Maj. Gen, Andtew Jackson^ See. 

When it is considered that this fort was in a very 
incomplete state, having been almost totally aban- 
doned, until Gen. Jackson had recently discovered 
its importance to the surrounding country in time 
of war — that it was only in a progressive state of 
improvement— that it was garrisoned by only 150 
3aew recruits^^who had never before faced a veteran 
enemy— and that it was assailed on every side by 
land and navaJ forces, probably amounting to 1500 
snen^ and 100 pieces of cannon, its defence may be 
ranked among the most gallant achievements in the 
lastj or any previous war m America. When the 



ANDREW JACKSON. 175; 

defences of Stonington, Fort M^ Henry ^ Fort Bowyer, 
and Fort St, Phillips, are remembered, the " naval 
demonstrations'* of the haughty mistress of the 
ocean, lose the terror which our countrymen for- 
merly attached to them; and shews that independ- 
ent and valiant freemen, defending their homes 
against modern hired Vandals, sent to destroy them,, 
?vill be victoriouSa 



ITS MEMOIRS OF 



CHAPTER XII. 

Gen. Jackson is appointed Maj. Geo. iu U. S. army— Fori Bowyer — 
its importance, and its danger — Gen. Jackson determines to re- 
duce Pensacola — Arrival of Gen. Coffee with Tennessee Volunteers 
and Mississippi Dragoons— Capture of Pensacola — Gen. Jackson's 
account of it — Destruction of the Barancas — He returns to Mo- 
bile — Col. Nicoll's proclamation — Remark. 

Previous to this period, (Oct. 1814,) General 
Jackson had been appointed a Major General in the 
army of the United States, an<l commander of the 
Tth military district. He had been Major Generalj 
by brevet, some time antecedent to this appoint- 
ment, and commander of the same district. 

The importance of Fort Bowyer as a military 
post, became more and more apparent to him, as 
he discovered the immense preparation of the ene« 
my, to assail the whole American seaboard, from 
Pensacola to New-Orleans. This fort was but three 
days' march for land forces from Pensacola, where 
the British had already hoisted their flag ; and from 
thence to New-Orleans, but ten days* march. By 
the possession of this fort at the mouth of the ca- 
pacious bay of Mobile — the bay itself, and the ad-^ 
joining country, the British land and naval forces 
would derive incalculable advantag^es. To secure 



ANPREW JACKSON. 177 

it, therefore, was, in the view of the commanding 
general, of the utmost importance. But however 
important the measure, the means to accomplish it 
were altogether beyond his reach. Without a na- 
val force to cover the fort, or to assist in its defence, 
with but a small regular force under his command 
at Mobile, and wholly uncertain when the forces 
from the distant state of Tennessee, and other pla- 
ces, would arrive, it would seem to have been the 
dictate, not only of the cardinal virtue oi prudencey 
but oi Jortitude itself, to have evacuated the fort 
and the country at once. The gallant defence of 
this place upon the 15th September, although a se- 
vere mortification to the enemy, would induce them 
to send a force against it, absolutely irresistible. So 
insuflicient were his means of defence, from the 
middle of September, to about the 30th October, 
and so overwhelming was the superiority of the 
enemy's force, and constantly augmenting, that had 
he at this time retired to New-Orleans, with his 
little army, an unanimous sentence of approbation 
must have been pronounced by his countrymen. 
But his language was, " resting on the bravery 

OF 5IY little phalanx, I HOPE FOR SUCCESS."— 

Notwithstanding the discouraging aspect of affairs,, 
it was at this period that he resolved, on his own 
responsibility, to march for Pensacola ; and with 
his army *' to carry our arms where rve find our ev 



178 MEMOIRS OF 

emies"^ Having been educated as a jurist, he was 
versed in the principles of the Law of Nations. 
He had a knowledge of the obligations which one 
government owes to another — he was aware of the 
acts which this code would justify in a belligerent 
power, and the duty it enjoined upon a power that 
was professedly a neutral one. The Spanish gov- 
ernment at this time, in regard to (he American 
Republic, was of the latter character hy profession, 
and of the former one by practice. He determined 
to place himself within striking distance of the en- 
emy, whether he found them devastating the ter- 
ritory of the Republic, or preparing to do it in the 
adjoining territory of another power. The proprie- 
ty and legality of this measure will more properly 
be considered, when we have traced the life of 
Gen. Jackson to the year 1818, when he, a second 
time, carried the American arms to the capital ol 
Florida. 

About the 25fh October, the exhiiirating intelli- 
gence was received at Mobile, that Gen. Coffee 

* Had it not been for some unaccountable neglect or design in the 
War Department, in July, 1814, Gen. Jackson would not have been 
reduced to this dilemma Upon January 17tb, 1815, he received a 
letter from Mr. Armstrong, dated Jw/y 18th, 1814, as Secretary of 
War, which says — ' ' If all the circumstances stated fey you, unites thi 
conclusion is irresistible. It becomes our duty to carry our arms wher& 
we find our enemies.^^ Mr. Armstrong, not long after this date, was 
succeeded in the war department, by Mr. Monroe. The whole of this 
letter naajrte seen by recurrence to the publicatiQDS of that period. 



ANDKEW JACKSON. 179 

had arrived at Fort St. Stevens, with nearly 3000 
** Tennessee Volunteers/' and Mississippi Dragoons. 
The news operated upon the " little phalanx,'* like 
a shock of electricity upon the human system* 
Though previously resolved to follow their com- 
mander to the cannon's mouth, and force their way 
into the fortress of the enemy, though bristled with 
bayonets, they became enthusiastic when they knew 
they were reinforced by veterans, to many of whom 
victory had become familiar, and who were igno- 
rant of the name of fear. Gen. Jackson hastened 
to the encampment of his companion in arms. He 
might have said of Gen. CoiTee, as Nelson said of 
Capt. Hardy—-" He is my right arm?^ They had 
travelled hand in hand, in the high road to con- 
quest over savages, and were now again united in a 
desperate effort to save their country from subju- 
gation and slavery, by the vaunting conquerors of 
the rights of man in Europe. 

Many of the troops who arrived from Tennessee 
and Mississippi, had seen no service, but they saw 
their brloved country endangered, and they imme- 
diately became practical, if not theoretical soldiers. 
Parts of the 3d, 39th, and 44th infantry of U. S. 
soldiers, were mingled with them. In a few days, 
they were all ready for an expedition to Pensacola, 
to " plant the American Eagle^* in the place of the 
British Lion.^ 

* A British flag had, for many days, been hoisted at the Spanish 
/Vt in Pensacola. 



180 MEMOIRS OF 

Upon the 3d November, the army took up the 
line of March. Gen. Jackson commanded in per- 
son. Upon the 6th, he approached the place, and 
sent forward a flag to the governor at Fort St. 
George. In open violation of every principle of 
civilized warfare — in flagrant contempt of the 
rights even of contending armies, Major Pierre, who 
bore the flag, was fired on by a cannon from the 
fort ! It was courtesy alone, that induced General 
Jackson to send the flag. His wish was, notwith- 
standing the previous insolence of Gov. Manrequez, 
to save the eifusion of human blood, by a pacific 
interview, explaining the object of his visit; and 
had he immediately stormed the fort, and put the 
garrison to the sword, the laws of war would have 
justified the procedure. He encamped his troops 
for the night, and upon the morning of the Tth, 
^^ proclaimed his diplomatic character from, the 
mouths of his cannon?^ 

The general hastily and briefly describes the bat- 
tle in the following letter, having subsequently made 
his Report to the Secretary of War. 

GEN. JACKSON TO GOV. BLOUNT. 

H, ^. Ith Militari/ Districty 
TensaWy Nov, 18 J 4. 
Sir, — On last evening I returned from Pensacola 
to this place. I reached that post on the evening 
of the 0th. On my approach, I sent Major Pierre 



AiTDREW JACKSON. 181 

with a flag to communicate the object of ray visit 
to the Governor of Pensacola. He approached Fort 
St. George, with his flag displayed, and was fired 
on by the cannon from the fort: he returned, and 
made report thereof to me. I immediately went, 
with the adjutant-general and the major, with a 
small escort, and viewed the fort, and found it de- 
fended by both British and Spanish troops. I im- 
mediately determined to storm the town; retired 
and encamped my troops for the night, and made 
the necessary arrangements to carry my determina- 
tion into effect the next day. 

On the morning of the Tth, I marched with the 
effective regulars of the 3d, 39th, and 4th infantry ; 
part of Gen. Collee's brigade; the Mississippi dra- 
goons, and part of the West Tennessee regiment, 
commanded by Lieut. Col. Hammonds, (Col. Low- 
ry having deserted and gone homo,) and part of 
the Choctaws, led by Maj. Blue, of the 39th, and 
Maj. Kennedy, of Mississippi territory. Being en- 
camped on the west of the town, I calculated they 
would expect the assault from that quarter, and be 
prepared to rake me from the fort, and the British 
armed vessels, 7 in number, that lay in the bay. 
To cherish this idea, I s^nt out part of the mounted 
men to show themselves on the west, whilst 1 passed 
in rear of the fort undiscovered to the east of the 
town. When I appeared within a mile, I was in 
full view. My pride was never more heightened 
Q 



1^2 MEfllOIRS OF 

than in viewing the uniform firmness of my troopbj 
and with what undaunted courage they advanced, 
with a strong fort ready to assail them on the right ; 
seven British armed vessels on the left ; strong block- 
houses and batteries of cannon in their front : but 
they still advanced with unshaken firmness, and en- 
tered the town, when a battery of two cannon was 
opened upon the centre column, composed of regu- 
lars, with ball and grape, and a shower of musketry 
from the houses and gardens. The battery was im- 
mediately stormed by Capt. Levall and company, 
and carried, and the musketry was soon silenced by 
the steady and well directed fire of the regulars. 

The governor met Cols. Williamson and Smith, 
who led the dismounted volunteers, with a flag, 
begged for mercy, and surrendered the town and 
fort, unconditionally. Mercy was granted and pro- 
tection given to the citizens and their property, and 
still Spanish treachery kepi us out of possession of 
the fort, until nearly 12 o'clock at night. 

Never was more cool, determined bravery dis- 
played by any troops; and the Choctaws advanced 
to the charge with equal bravery. 

On the morning of the 8th, I prepared to march 
and storm the Barancas; but before I could move, 
tremendous explosions told me that the Barancas, 
with all its appfrndages, was blown up. I despatch- 
ed a detachment of 200 men to explore it, w ho re- 
turned in the night, with the information that it 



ANDREW JACKSON. 183 

was blowfi up; all the combustible parts burnt; 
the cannon spiked and dismounted, except two. 
This being the case, I determined to withdraw my 
troops ; but before I did, I had the pleasure of see- 
ing the British depart. Col. Nicoll abandoned the 
fort on the night of the 6th, and betook himself to 
his shipping, with his friend Capt. Woodbine, and 
their red friends. 

The steady firmness of my troops has drawn a 
just respect from our enemies. It has convinced 
the Red Slicks, that they have no strong hold or 
protection, only in the friendship of the United 
States. The good order and conduct of my troops 
whilst in Pensacola, has convinced the Spaniards 
of our friendship and our prowess, and has drawn 
from the citizens an expression, that our Choctaws 
are more civilized than the British, 
In great haste, I am, &e. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

In this engagement not an American lost his life. 
The gallant Capt. Levall, mentioned in the general's 
letter, commenced the attack, and fell desperately 
wounded at the head of his command, in storming 
the enemy's battery. The conduct of Gov, Manre- 
quez, in the midst of the engagement, is a volume 
of commentary upon his previous conduct. *' With 
a flag, he begged for mercy, and surrendered the 
town and fort, imconditiQuallu /" General Jackson 



184 MEMOIRS OF 

might have said to him, as a gallant chieftain of 
antiquity did to a trembling and supplicating foe— 
"Be not as extreme in submission as in offence,'** 
This generous commander felt a contemptuous pity 
for the humbled governor. He was aware that he 
was not a free agent, and, of course, hardly an ac- 
countable being. He acted under duress from the 
imperious Col. Nicoll and Capt. Woodbine, who, no 
less terrified than the governor, fled in consternation 
to their shipping, before a gun was fired ; in which* 
if they could not withstand, they could flee from the 
vengeance of Republican Soldiers. 

Soon after the terms of capitulation were agreed 
upon, the governor agreed also to surrender the Ba- 
rancaSf about 15 miles to the westward. But in 
perfect consistency with Spanish faith, and British 
honour, it was blown up and completely demolish- 
ed, before it could be possessed by the American 
forces. 

Gen. Jackson, having struck this important blow; 
having convinced the hostile Indians, that Span- 
iards could not protect thnyi; and Spaniards, that 
the confident security they had placed in British 
protection only esposed them to destruction, he im- 
mediately prepared to throw himself and his army 
into the more exposed parts of the country. It ex- 
cites astonishment that he should have left Mobile 
upon the 3d, arrived at Peusacola upon the 6th, cap- 
lured it upon the 7th, agreed upon the surrender af 



AHDREW JACKSON. 185 

the Barancas upon the 8th, and upon the 9th have 
taken up the line of march for Mobile to defend 
Fort Bovvyer. To this celerity of movement, and 
importance of measures, modern warfare scarcely 
furnishes a parallel. Gen. Jackson possesses one of 
the most essential attributes of a warrior — promptU 
iude. He decides promptly — he executes promptly. 
He also possesses the rare quality of infusing into 
the hearts of his soldiers, the ardour that inspires 
his own. 

While these events were transpiring in the eastern 
section of the Hh military district, the solicitude of 
the commander and the whole adjoining country, 
was increased for the safety of New-Orleans, em- 
phatically the key of the whole Western States and 
Territories. 

Col. Nicoll, soon after his arrival at Pensacola, 
confident of success,, and swelling with the " un- 
gathered laurels" of anticipated victories, endeav- 
oured to prepare the minds of Louisianians, Ken- 
tuckians, Tennesseeans^ and the citizens of Missis- 
sippi, for the blessinjrs of British dominion, to which 
they would shortly be subjected^ Although his cel- 
ebrated proclamation has long been before the in- 
dignant reader, to hold that and him up again to^ 
contempt, I insert it in this work. 

GOL, NrCQLL, TO LOUISIANIANS, KENTUCKMNS^ &c, 

^'Natives of Louisiana I On you the first call l^ 
0.2 



1S6 MEMOIRS OP 

made, to assist in liberating from a faithless, imbe^^ 
ciie government, your paternal soil: Spaniards, 
Frenchmen, Italians, and British, whether settled, 
or residing for a time in Louisiana, on you, also, I 
call, to aid me in this just cause. The American 
usurpation in this country, must be abolished, and 
the lawful owners of the soil put in possession. I 
am at the head of a large body cf Indians, well 
armed, disciplined, and commanded by British offi- 
cers — a good train of artillery, with every requisite, 
seconded by the powerful aid of a numerous British 
and Spanish squadron of ships and vessels of war. 
Be not alarmed, inhabitants of the country, at our 
approach; the sa?ne good faith and disinterested* 
Bess, which has distinguished the conduct of Brit- 
ons in Europe^ accompanies them here; you will 
liave no fear of litigious taxes imposed on you, for 
the purpose of carrying on an unnatural and unjust 
war ; your property, your laws, the peace and tran- 
quillity of your country, will be guaranteed to you 
by men, who will suffer no infringement of theirs. 
R(st assured, that these brave red men only burn 
with an ardent desire of satisfaction, for the wrongs 
they have suffered from the Jimricans; io join 
you, in liberating these southern provinces from 
their yoke, and drive them into those limits former- 
ly prescribed by my sovereign. The Indians have 
pledged themselves in the most solemn manner, not 
to injure, in the slightest degree, the persons or 



ANDREW JACKSON; 1B7 

properties of any, but enemies. A flag over any 
door, whether Spanish, French, or British, will be a 
certain protection ; nor dare any Indian put his foot 
on the threshold thereof, under penalty of death 
from his own countrymen ; not even an enemy, will 
an Indian put to death, except resisting in arms ; 
and as for injuring helpless women and children, 
the red men, by their good conduct, and treatment 
to them, will (if it be possible) make the Ameri- 
cans blush for their more inhuman conduct lately 
on the Escambia, and within a neutral territory. 

Inhabitants of Kentucky ! you have too long 
borne with grievous impositions — the whole brunt 
of the war has fallen on your brave sons : be impo- 
sed on no longer, but either range yourselves under 
the standard of your forefathers, or observe a strict 
neutrality. 

If you comply with either of these offers, what- 
ever provisions you send down, will be paid for in 
dollar Sy and the snfty of the persons bringing it^ as 
well as the free navigation of the Mississippi^ guar' 
anteed to you. Men of Kentucky! let me call to 
your viesv, (and I trust to your abhorrence,) the 
conduct of those factionSy which hurried you into 
this civile unjust^ and unnatural jvar^ at a time when 
Great- Britain was straining every nerve, in defence 
of her own, and the liberties of the world — when 
the bravest of her sons were flighting and bleeding 
in so sacred a cause — when she was spendmg mil- 



Igg MEMOIRS OF 

lions of her treasure, in endeavouring to pull down 
one of the most formidable and dangerous tyrants, 
that ever disgraced the form of man — when groan- 
ing Europe was almost in her last gasp — when Brit" 
ons alone showed an undaunted front — basely did 
those assassins endeavour to stab her from the rear ;- 
she has turned on them, renovated from the bloody, 
but successful struggle. Europe is happy and free.}. 
and she now hastens, justly, to revenge the unpro- 
voiced insult. Show them that you are not collect- 
ively unjust ; leave that contemptible few to shift for 
themselves: let those slaves of the tyrant send an 
embassy to Elba, and implore his aid ; but let every 
honest, upright American spurn them with united 
contempt. After the experience oi tnwnti/-one years, 
can you longer support those brawlers for liberty, 
who call it freedom, when themselves are free? Be 
no longer their dupes— accept of my oilers — every 
thing I have promised in this paper, I guarantee 
to you, on the sacred honour of a British officer. 

Given under my hand, at my head quarters, Pen- 
sacola^ this 29th day of August, 1814*. 

EDWARD NICOLL." 

It would be difficult to determine whether weak- 
'iiess, ignorance, arrogance, or falsehood predomio 
nates in this British state paper; and whether it 
was the production of a cabinet council at London, 
or of the individual labour of the redoubted Cd-. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 189 

Nicoll. It would be " stale, flat, and unprofitable," 
to analyze or criticise it. It evinces the weakness 
of the author, his ignorance of the American charac- 
ter, the arrogance of a coward, and the baseness of 
a scoundrel. The conduct of Nicoll at Pensacola, 
is a sufficient commentary upon his proclamation. 
Having duped the Governor of Florida, and expo- 
sed his capital to destruction, he basely deserted 
him, in his utmost need, and shewed, that with an 
ancient British Knight, he thought " the better part 
of valour is — discretion." Maj. Lawrence, at Fort 
Bowyer, taught him, for the rest part of his life, 
to look with a single et/e,^ No proclamation could 
be better calculated to call the gallant sons of Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, to the 
standard of the American Hero, than this. They 
knew well how to distinguish between his patriot- 
ism and courage, and " the sacred honour of a Brit- 
ish officer^'* It will be remembered that another 
British officer. Gen. Brisbane, invited the citizens 
of New-York and Vermont, to flee to the standard 
of Sir George Prevost, at Plattsburg. They pre- 
ferred that of Gen. Macomb ; and there taught the 
vaunting conquerors of Napoleon the same lesson at 
the Norths which Gen. Jackson afterwards repeated 
to them at the South, 

* See Gen. Jackson's account of the defeflce of Fort Bowyer. 



190 MEMOIRS Off 



CHAPTER XIIL 

General Jackson*s arrival at New-Orleans — perilous situation of that 
place — reliance upon distant forces — his address to the people of 
Loaisiana — timidity of the legislature — evidence of disaffection? 
and traitorous conduct — Declaration of Martial Law — Measures of 
defence — Arrival of reinforcements — Landing of the enemy — Bat- 
tle of the 23d December—Official report of it. 

The solicitude which Gen. Jackson felt for the 
safety of Mobile Bay and Fort Bowyer, was now 
almost forgotten in the overwhelnaing anxiety he 
endured for the most important place in his district, 
and, in some respects, in the Union — New-Orleans* 
For a considerable period there had been no general' 
officer in the Tth military district but himself, who 
was attached to the army of the United States, al- 
though with him there had long been one general 
officer who would adorn any service. At length 
Brig. Gen. Winchester, of the U. S. army, arrived, 
and to him Gen. Jackson assigned the command of 
the eastern section of his district, and immediately 
repaired to New-Orleans. 

He arrived at this place upon the 2d December, 
1814. A mere casuist may wonder why the pres- 
ence of a single individual at an exposed place, is 
an augury of its safety ; but it is in vain for casu- 
ists, philosophers, or stoics, to laugh at a sentiment 



ANDREW JACKSON. 191 

that is coninion to our nature. The presence of 
Washington at Trenton, and of Putnam at BuU' 
ker^s Hill, had the same effect upon citizens and 

soldiers, as that of Jackson at New-Orleans, 

At no period since the declaration of American 
Independence in July 1776, to December 1814, had 
an American commander a duty of more impor- 
tance and difficulty to discharge, than had Gen. 
Jackson at this portentous period. At Mobile, with 
means apparently wholly insufficient, (to use his 
own language,) he had " a sickly climate, as well 
as an enemy to contend with." At New Orleans, 
he had to contend with the consternation of the 
citizens, the insolence of judicial power, and the 
timorous policy of the legislature of Louisiana ; as 
well as against the most powerful land and naval 
force, that had, for forty years, menaced any one 
place in the Republic. He had also to contend with 
the prejudices, the favouritism, and the perfidious- 
ness of I'oreignrrs, a vast number of whom had mi- 
grated to Louisiana before its accession to the Re- 
public, by Mr. Monroe's treaty. 

Although the proclamation of Nicoll, excites in 
the mind of an intelligent American reader, no 
feeling but that of ineilable contempt ; yet nith the 
mixed population of Louisiana, its effects might be 
essentially diilerent. Aithoug^h amongst that popu- 
lation, were many native Americans of distinguish- 
ed talents and patriotism, it is without a doubt the 



192 MEMOIRS OF 

fact, that in 1814, a majority of its inhabitants 
were of foreign extraction; and that much the 
most numerous class of foreigners were Frenchmen* 
They saw the same formidable power, that had re- 
cently taken the lead in conquering the conqueror of 
Europe, driving him into exile, and restoring l^ouis 
XVIII. to the French throne, now menacing Lou* 
isiana with a force, that seemed to be irresistible. 
Spaniards, in the same power, recognized the re- 
storer ot Ferdinand VII. Englishmen^ dared not 
take up arms against their own countrymen unless 
certain of victory. Gen. Jackson was aware that 
in this discordant mass of people, there would be 
many, who would not only neglect to repair to the 
American standard, but who would " give aid and 
comfort" to the enemy. He was also aware that 
energetic and coercive measures to detect domestic 
traitors, or to conquer a powerful foe, would meet 
with resistance from that undefined, and frequently 
unrestrained spirit of liberty, which foreigners, re- 
cently settled in the Republic, almost invariably 
manifnst. But, it was in vain for him to wish for 
a different state of thine:s, or to pursue a course of 
conduct which a different state would have render- 
ed judicious and expf'dienl. Hf was compelled to 
act as circumstance*? dictated, without the power of 
chmging them. Like a great man in danger, de- 
scribed by a great poet, with elegance—** Serene 



ANDREW 1ACKS@N. IfjS 

mid master of himself he prepared for nhat might 
come, and left the rest to heaven.^* 

Commander in Chief of the extensive and im- 
portant military district No. T, he knew that the 
eyes and the hopes of the American people were fixed 
upon him, and "the little phalanx" who had fol- 
lowed him to victory. With many who knew the 
peril of his situation, these hopes were mingled 
with despair ; but despair never produced its para- 
lizing effects in the hosom of the general. In Gov, 
Claiborne of Louisiana, Gov. Blount of TennesseCj 
and Gov. Shelby of Kentucky, he felt a safe, a 
certain reliance, as he knew them to be patriotic 
statesmen of the first water. In Gen. Coffee and 
Geji. Carroll, and the gallant men whom he knew 
would follow him to victory or to death, he could 
recognize officers and soldiers who would cheerfully 
unite with him and the small regular force he had 
under his command, at New-Orleans. From iV1is° 
sissippi, he also felt the strongest assurance that his 
force would be augmented by many of its gallant 
soldiers, who had followed him in taking ample ven- 
geance upon the Creeks, for the massacre at Tdisaw, 
in their territory. It was still, ho\\ever, wholly 
uncertain how soon an effective force, which would 
give any hopes of a successful defence of the place, 
would arrive. His first reliance was upon the Lou- 
isiana militia, upon whom, from circumstances al. 

ready mentioned, he could place the least. He had 
R 



194 MEMOIRS OF 

a faithful coadjutor in Gov. Claiborne ; and from 
Mr. Edward Livingston, derived every assistance 
which his great talents and influence enabled him 
to afford. General Jackson addressed the citizens 
and soldiers of Louisiana, in the following impres- 
sive manner : — 

*' Natives of the United States! the enemy you 
are to contend with, arc the oppressors of your in- 
fant political existence — they are the men your fa- 
thers fought and conquered, whom you are now to 
oppose. 

Descendants of Frenchmen! natives of France! 
they are Ens^Iish, the hereditary, the eternal ene- 
mies of your ancient country, the invaders of that 
you have adopted, who are your foes. Spaniards ! 
remember the conduct of your allies at St. Sebas- 
tian, and recently at Pensacoia, and rejoice that 
you have an opportunity of avenging the brutal 
injuries inflicted by men who dishonojir the human 
race. Louisianians ! your general rejoices to wit- 
ness the spirit that animates you, not only for your 
honour, but your safety ; for whatever had been 
your conduct or wislies, his duty would have led, 
and yet will lead him, to confound the citizen, un- 
mindful of his rights, with the enemy he ceases to 
oppose. Commanding men who know their rights, 
and are determined to defend them, he salutes you 
as brethren in arms ; and has now a new motive to 



,^ ANDREW JACKSON. 19S 

exert all his faculties, which shall be strained to 
the utmost, in your defence. Continue with the 
energy you have hegun, and he promises you not 
only safety, but victory over an insolent foe, who 
has insulted you by an affected doubt of your attach- 
ment to the constitution of your country. Your 
enemy is near; his sails already cover the lakes: but 
the brave are united ; and if he find us contending 
among ourselves, it will be for the prize of valour — 
and fame, its noblest reward." 

Considering the nature of the people and of the 
troops he had to address, it is difficult to conceive 
of an appeal more appropriate. The native Ameri- 
cans are pointed to '^ the oppressors of thrar infant 
political existence" — The natives of France to the 
" eternal enemy of their ancient country — the invaders 
of the one they had adopted''^ — Spaniards too, are 
reminded of *' the brutal injuries inflicted^* upon 
their country, " by men who dishonour the human 
raceJ^ It was argumentumadhominum^^'d.n appeal 
to men; which is generally more eifectual than ar- 
guments deduced from principle. But excepting 
with the American part of the population, it had 
no effect. Indeed from European Spaniards but 
little exertion could be expected in the cause of 
the Republic, when they shortly expected to see 
the country they inhabited return to the Spanish 
yoke ; and the Frenchmen there, who, a short period 



196 MEMOIRS OF 

before, were vociferating, Vive l"* Empereur ! were 
now sendins; in their adhesions to Louis XVIII. and 
exclaiming, Five le Roi !—So fur from voiunleer- 
ing, they refused to comply with the military drafts 
that were made. 

The disaffection of the few is easily checked, 
when the public functionaries discharge the neces- 
sary duties devolved upon them; hut so far were 
the legislative and judiciary powers of the state^ 
from calling in the power of law to check the grow- 
ing discontent, that they encouraged it by con» 
Biving at it. Governor Ciaiborne did every thing 
which a patriotic and vigilant executive could dis- 
charge ; but a majority of the legislature, nervelesSj 
timorous and desponding, hung upon him like an 
incubus^ and paralized all his exertions. In regard 
to this house of assembly, the governor might have 
said, " mine enemies are those of my own house- 
hold.'' 

From the police of the city of New-Orleans, no 
more hopes could be derived than from the majori- 
ty of the legislature of the state ; and some of its 
inhabitants were carrying on a treacherous inter- 
course with the enemy. The writer would not so 
confidently have stated the facts contained in this 
chapter, unless he had in his possession indubitable- 
evidence of their accuracy. From the mass of 
testimony, the following is selected from the corres- 
pondence between Gov. ClaibQrc& and Gen, Jack- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 1^ 

ion. In one letter the governor says, *' On a late 
occasion I had the mortification to acknowledge my 
inahility to meet a requisition from Gen. Fiournoy; 
the corps of this city having for the most part rc» 
sisted my orders, being encouraged in their diso- 
bedience by the legislature of the state, then in 
session ; one branch of which, the senate, having 
dech^red the requisition illegal and oppressive, and 
the house of representatives having rejected a pro«^ 
position to approve the measure. How far I shall 
be supported in my late orders, remains yet to be 
proved. I have reason to calculate upon the patri- 
otism of the interior and western counties. I know 
also that there are many faithful citizens in New- 
Orleans; but there are others, in whose attachment 
to tiie United States I ought not to confide. Upon- 
the whole, sir, I cannot disguise the fact, that if 
Louisiana should be attacked, we must principally 
depend for security upon the prompt movements of 
the regular force under your command, and the 
militia of the western states and territories. At 
this moment we are in a very unprepared and de- 
fenceless condition ; several important points oC 
defence remain unoccupied, and in case of a sudden 
attack, this capital would, I fear, fall an easy sac- 
rifice." 

In another letter he most impressivefy remarks— 
^ Inclosed you have copies of my late general 0¥-- 
iers. They may, and I trust will be obeyed; but 



198 MEBlOfRS ©F 

to (his moment, my ftllow-citizens have not mam^ 
fested all that union and zeal Ibe crisis demands, 
an«i their own safety r-'qinres. There is in this 
city a much greater s[)irit of disafiecti<)n than 1 had 
anticipated ; and amone; the faithful Louisianians, 
Ihere is a despondency uliich palsies ail my prepa- 
rations ;. they see no strong regular force, around 
which thej could rally with confidence, and they 
seem to think themselves not v/ithin the reach of 
seasonable assistance, from the western states. I 
am absured, sir, you will make the most judicious 
disposition of the forces under your command ; hut 
exeuse me for suggesting, that the presence of the- 
seventh regiment, at or near New-Orlean&, will 
have the most salutary effect The garrison here at 
present, is alarmingly vveak, and is a cause of mucb 
regret: from the great mixture of persons, and 
characters, in this city, we have as much to appre<- 
hend from witliin as from without. In arresting the 
intercourse between Neu-Orleans and Ptnsacola, 
you have done right. Pensacola is in fact, an ene- 
my's post, and had our commercial intercourse with' 
it continued, the supplies furnished to the enemy, 
would have so much exhausted our own stock of 
provisions, as to have occasioned the most serious, 
inconvenience to ourselves. 

1 was on the point of taking on myself the pro- 
hihitioR of the trade with Pensacola : I had prepar- 
ed a iproclaniatio!! to that effect, and would have- 



iilTDREW JACKSON. 19^' 

issued it the very day I heard of your interpositionc 
Enemies to the country, may blame you for your 
prompt and energetic measures;: bu't, in the per«^ 
son of every patriot you will find a supporter. I 
am very confident of the very lax police of this city, 
antl HKieed, throughout the state, with respect to. 
the visits of strangers. I think wrth you> that our 
country is filled with spies and traitors, I have 
written pressingly on the subject, to the city au- 
thorities and parish judges — I hope some efficient 
regulations will speedily be adopted by the first,, 
and more vigilance exerted for the future, by the 
latter." 

In a third letter, the governor observes — " The 
only difficulty I have hitherto experienced, in meet- 
ing the requisition, has been in this city, and e-xciu- 
sively from some European Frenchmen, who, after 
givina: their adhesion to Louis XVIII. have?, 
through the medium o»' the French consul, claimed 
exemption from the drafts, as French subjects. The 
question of exemption, however, is now under dis- 
cussion, before a special court of inquiry, and lam- 
not without hopes, that these ungrateful men^ may 
yet be brought to a discharge of their duties. 

You have been informed of the contents of an; 
intercepted letter, written by Col. Coliel, a Spanish 
officer, to Capt. Morales^ of Pensacola. This letter 
was submitted for the opinion of the attorney gene- 
lal of the statCj as to the measures to be pursued' 



200 MEMOIRS or 

against the writer. The attorney general was of 
opinion, that the courts could take no coii;nizance of 
the same; but that the governor might order the 
writer to leave the state, and in case of refusal, to 
send him off by force. I accordingly, sir, ordered 
Col Coliel to take his departure, in forty-eight 
hours, for Pensacola, and gave him the necessary 
passports. I hope, this measure may meet your ap- 
probation. It is a just retaliation for the conduct 
lately observed by the governor of Pensacola, and 
may induce the Spaniards residing among us, to be 
less communicative upon those subjects wliich relate 
to our military movements." 

In another letter, this patriotic chief-magistrate' 
says to Gen. Jackson, "If Louisiana is invaded, I 
shall put myseif at the head of such of my militia as 
will follow me to the fie^d, and on receiving, shall 
obey your orders." It will be remembered that the 
venerable Gov. S!)elby, of Kentucky, served under 
Maj, Gen. Harrison, when he obtained his signal 
victory over Gen. Proctor. In addition to this ex- 
plicit evidence, furnished by Gov. Claiborne, Charles 
K. Blanchard, Esq. writes to Gen. Jackson thus — 
*' Quarter-Master Peddie, of the British army, ob- 
served [to me,] that the commanding officers of the 
British forces, were daily in the rect ipt of every in- 
formation from the city of New- Orleans, which they 
nnigiit require in aid of their operations, for the 
completion of the objects of the expedition i — that 



ANDREW JACKSON. 201 

they were perfectly acquainted with the situation of 
every part of our forces, the manner in which the 
same was situated, the number of our fortifications, 
their strength, position, vScc. He furthermore sta- 
ted, that the above information was received from 
persons in the city of iNew-OrJeans, from whom he 
could at any hour^ procure every information neces- 
sary to promote his majesty's interest ! 1" 

I have been thus particular in describing the situ- 
ation in which Gen. Jackson found the citizens of 
Louisiana, its legislature, and its capital, upon his 
arrival there, early in December, 1814, because it 
induced, and indeed, compelled him to resort to a 
measure which had never before been resorted to in 
the Republic, since the adoption of the Constitution^ 

THE DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW. ThiS tOOk 

place on the iGihof the month, twenty-three days 
before the splendid victory, which secured the city of 
Ncw-Orleaus and the states bordering upon the Mis- 
sissippi, from the rapacity of an enemy, whose prin- 
ciples of warfare, hid been demonstrated, upon the 
western frontier, at Havre de Grace, at Hampton,, 
and at Washington! 

The proceedings of the fegislatuTe were suspend- 
ed. But let the majority of the members, who 
then constituted it, rememher, that the suspensiom 
of their civil power, was occasioned by their resist- 
ance of di. legal miiitary power. Gen, Jackson had 
been too long in the discharge of the highest civil 



202 MEMOIRS OF 

functions, not to acknowledge the superiority of the 
civily over the military power. He had been too 
long in military life, to be ignorant of the duties of 
an American General, to whom was committed the 
defence of a district, the safety of which was para- 
mount to every other consideration. 

The citizens of New-Orleans, and its environs, 
were, for a few days deprived of their accustomed 
privileges. But the patriotic part of them, endured 
the deprivation with pleasure, since it prohibited 
the perfidious and traitorous part of them, from 
holding an intercourse with the enemy, calculated 
to aid them in the subjugation of it. 

Gen. Jackson had been incessantly engaged, since 
his arrival, in selecting the most commanding scites 
for fortifications, near the mouth of the Mississippi. 
Fort St. Philips, was selected as the most eligible 
one, and Maj. W. H. Overton, was appointed to 
the command of it. His gallant defence of it, will 
constitute a subsequenr article in these memoirs. 
The naval force near New. Orleans, consisted of 
small gun-vessels, under the command of Capt. Pat- 
terson. The gallantry> not to say desperation, with 
which they were defended, more properly belongs 
to the naval chronicle than to this work. 

From the 16th to the 22(1 December, the gene- 
ral, by his animation, vigilance, and exertions, 
seemed to magnify his little phalanx into a host, and 
to dissipate the despondency that pervaded the citi- 



ANDRE<^ JACKS0J7. 20S 

zens, by the confidence his presence excited. Upon 
the last mentioned day, the reinforcements from 
Tennessee, under Generals Carroll and Coffee, had 
arrived. Those under Gtn. Coffee, were, the most 
of them, the same men who had encamped at Fort 
St. Stephens, two months previous, and who were 
present at the capture of Pensacola, upon the Tth 
November. From the time they left Tennessee, 
to the time they encamped at iNeu -Orleans, they 
had marched over 800 miles ! The troops under 
the comaiand of Gen. Carroll, were those recently 
raised hy order of Gov. Blount, and but few of 
them had seen any service. They had suddenly 
repaired to their rend* zvous at home ; immediately 
entered the water craft in tlie Alississippi, and had 
no opportunity to study even the first principles of 
military tactics, before they were called to face a 
veteran foe, whose prowess was acknowledged 
through the world. The Mississippi dragoons had 
also arrived, under the command of their accom- 
plished leader, Vlaj. Hinds; and this heterogenous 
mass of ritizrn- soldiers^ was converted, as by magic, 
into an army, whose achievetients under their great 
leader, Gen Jaikson, will now be detailed. At this 
period, the Kentucky troops, raised by order of 
Gov. Shelby, and commanded by Maj. Gen. Thom- 
as, had not arrived at New-Orleans. 

Previous to the 23d, the gun-vessels had been 
captured by the enemy, with an overwhelming 



20i MEMOIRS OF 

force, after a defence by Lieut. Thos. Ap. Catesby 
Jones, uhicii '* reflects additional splendour on our 
naval ulory, and diminishes tlie regret felt by their 
loss."* 

Upon the 23d, Maj. Gen. Keene landed nine 
miles below New-Orleans, with 3000 men, inured 
to arms, and Gen. Jackson, with less than half that 
number of men, mostly militia, immediately march- 
ed to give him battle. His account of the contest 
folio us. 

MAJ. GEN, JACKSON TO HON. JAWES MONROE. 
Camp, below Nen -Orleans, Dec. 27, 1814. 

Sir— -The loss of our giin-boats near the pass of 
the Riiiohls, having given the enemy commanrl of 
lake Borgne, he was enabled to choose his point of 
attack. If btcame therefore an object of import- 
ance, to obstruct the numerous bayous and canals, 
leading from that lake to the hiohlands on the Mis- 
sissippi. This important service was committed, in 
the first instance, to a detachment of the 7th regi- 
ment, afterwards to Col. D^ Laronde, of the Lou- 
isiana militia, and lastly, to njake all sure, to JVlaj. 
Gen. Villere, commanding the district between the 
river and the lakes, and who being a native of the 
country, was presumed to be best acquainted with 
all those passes. Unfortunately, however, a picquet 
whicl) the general had established at the mouth of 

* Vide Capt. Patterson's and Lieut. Joneses official reports. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 205 

the bayou Bienvenu, and which, notwithstanding 
my orders, had been left unobstructed, was com- 
pletely surprised, and the enemy penetrated 
through a canal leading to his farm, about two 
leagues below the city, and succeeded in cuttinj^ off 
a company of militia stationed there. This intelli- 
gence was communicated to me about 12 o'clock of 
the 23d. My force at this time, consisted of parts 
of the rth and 44th regiments, not exceeding six 
hundred together, the city militia, a part of Gen. 
Coiiee's brigade of mounted gunmen, and the de- 
tached militia from the western division of Ten- 
nessee, under the command of iVIaj. Gen. Carroll. 
These two last corps were stationed 4 miles above the 
city. Apprehending a double attack by the way of 
Chief-Mtnteur, I left Gen. Carroll's force and the 
militia of the city, posted on the Gentilly road ; 
and at five o'clock P. M. marched to meet the ene- 
my, whom I was resolved to attack in his first posi- 
tion, with Maj. Hinds' dragoons, Gen. Coilee's bri- 
gade, parts of the 7th and 44th regiments, the uni- 
formed companies of militia, under the command 
of Maj. Planche, 200 men of colour, chiefly from 
St. Domingo, raised by Col. Savary, and acting 
under the command of Maj. Dagwin, and a de- 
tachment of artillery under the direction of Col. 
M'Rhea, with two 6 pounders, under the com- 
mand of Lieut. Spotts; not exceeding in all, 1500* 

I arrived near the enemy's encampment about sev*- 
S 



^6 MEMOIRS OP 

en, and immediately made my dispositions for the 
attack. His forces amounting at that time on 
land, to about 3000, extended half a mile on that 
river, and in the rear nearly to the wood. Gen. 
Coffee was ordered to turn their right, while with 
the residue of the force, I attacked his strongest po- 
sition on the left, near the river. Com. Patterson, 
having dropped down the river in the schooner 
Caroline, was directed to open a fire upon their 
camp, which he executed at about half past seven. 
This being a signal of attack. Gen. Coifee*s men, 
with their usual impetuosity, rushed on the ene- 
my's right, and entered their camp, while our right 
advanced with equal ardour. There can be but lit- 
tle doubt, that w^e should have succeeded on that 
occasion, with our inferior force, in destroying or 
capturing the enemy, had not a thick fog which 
arose about 8 o'clock, occasioned some confusion 
among the different corps. Fearing the conse- 
quence, under this circumstance, of the further 
prosecution of a night attack, Avith troops then act- 
ing together for the first time, I contented myself 
with lying on the field that ni^ ht ; and at four in 
the morning assumed a stronger position, about 
two miles nearer the city. At this position I re- 
mained encamped, waiting the arrival of the Ken- 
tucky militia and other reinforcements. As the 
safety of the city will depend on the fate of this ar- 
ray, it must not be incautiously exposed. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 207 

In this affair the whole corps under my com- 
mand, deserve the greatest credit. The best com- 
pliiDcnt I can pay to Gen. Coffee and his brigade, 
is to say, they have behaved as they have always 
done, while under my command. The 7th led by 
Maj. Pierre, and 44th, commanded by Col. Ross, 
distinguished themselves. The battalion of city 
militia commanded by Maj, Planche, realized my 
anticipations, and behaved like veterans. Savary's 
volunteers manifested great bravery ; and the com- 
pany of city riflemen, having penetrated into the 
midst of the enemy's camp, were surrounded, and 
fought their way out with the greatest heroism, 
bringing with them a number of prisoners. The 
two field pieces were well served by the officers 
commanding them. 

All my officers in the line did their duty, and I 
have every reason to be satisfied with the whole of 
my field and staff. Cols. Butler and Piatt, and 
Mixj. Chotard, by their intrepidity, saved the artil- 
lery. Col. Haynes was every where that duty or 
danger called. I was deprived of the services of 
one of my aids, Capt. Butler, whom I was obliged 
to station, to his great regret, in toun. Capt. Reid, 
my other aid, and Messrs. Livingston, Duplissis, 
and Davizac, who had volunteered their services, 
faced danger wherever it w is to be met, and carri- 
ed my orders with the utmost promptitude. 

We made one Major, two subalterns, and sixty^ 



i208 MEMOIRS OP 

three privates prisoners; and the enemy's loss in 

Itillcd and wounded must have been at least . 

My own loss I have not as yet been able to ascer- 
tain with exactness, but suppose it to amount to 
100 in killed, wounded and missing. Among the 
former, I have to lament the loss of Col. Lauder- 
dale, of Gen. Coffee's brigade, who fell while 
bravely fighting. Cols. Dyer and Gibson, of the 
same corps, were wounded, and Maj. Kavenaugh 
taken prisoner. 

Col. De I.aronde, Maj. Villere, of the Louisiana 
militia, Maj. Latour, of engineers, having no com- 
mand, volunteered their services, as did Drs. Kerr 
and Hood, and were of great assistance to me. 

I have the honour to be, &.c. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 
Hon* James Monroe^ Secretary of War, 

Since the civilized world have made the trade of 
war a science, perhaps no two armies ever met and 
separated, with opinions so different of each, as 
those of Gen. Jackson and Gen. Keene, on the 23d. 
The first, consisting of a small number of regular 
troops, and the rest of gentlemen and yeomen, who 
had spent their days amidst the scenes of peace, 
^hc whole amounting only to 1500, must have met 
a veteran army of 3000, in field fight, with forebo- 
dings bordering upon despair. The second, con- 
scious of great superiority in numbers, in disci- 



i^NDREW JACKSON. 209 

pline, and in experience, marclied to the contest 
with contempt for their enemy, and a certainty of 
making them their prey. The battle gave to the 
first, conjidence-^io the second, it taught caution. 

As the general, in his official report, does not 
mention the number the enemy lost, I extract from 
Insp. Gen. Haynes* report, " KillediAeit on the field 
of battle, 100-- Woundedy left on the field of battle, 
2S0'^Prisoners, TO. Total, 400." The loss in 
the American forces, were — Killed, 24— Wounded^ 
115— Missing, 74. Total, 213. 



s-^- 



210 JilEMOIRS Of 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Benevolent exertions of the Ladies of New-Orleans— Gen. Jacksoiv 
selects the final position of bis army — Lobs of the naval force — 
Capt. Patterson — Lieut. Jones — Harmony between land and naval 
forces— Defence at the mouth of the Missisaippi— American lines 
on the east and west side of the river described — Battle of the 28tli 
December— of the 1st January— Attempt upon the left wing of the 
American army. 

The battle of the 23d l>ecember, although by 
no means a decisive one, produced those effects 
which led to ultimate victory. The despondency 
of the citizens was converted into hope, and the 
undisciplined troops of the Republic, presented " a 
rampart of high minded and brave 7?ien.^^ 

From the romantic age of chivalry to this period 
of the worl«l, the defence of the fair sex has been 
the pride of the warrior, and their approving sen- 
tence one of his highest rewards. The ladies of 
New-Orleans, not content merely to bestow their 
applause and their smiles upon their defenders, ex- 
erted all their faculties t© ameliorate the hardships 
they endured, and to relieve them from the priva- 
tions they suffered. Clothing of a necessary kind, 
was furnished to a large amount for the troops, 
who, from long service and absence from home, 
found it a most seasonable supply. Almost eon 



ANDREW JACKSON. 2tt 

slant exposure to the inclemency of the season, ren- 
dered an additional supply of clothing a comfort to 
the war-worn veteran, which he knows well how to 
appreciate. Imitating the exalted benevolence of 
the American matrons and daughters, in the gloomy 
period of the revolution, the females of the city be- 
came ministering angels to the wants of their heroic 
protectors. The historian will immediately recol- 
lect, that the women of ancient Carthage, in a time 
of danger, divested themselves of their flowing locks, 
and converted them into cordage, to aid the com- 
mon defence. While the achievements of female 
Amazons, rather excite disgust than applause, the 
refined benevolence of the tender sex, commands the 
admiration of men ; and even angels must witness it 
with a smile of complacency. 

Notwithstanding the rigorous execution of mar- 
tial Jaw, over citizens as well as soldiers, the sullen 
murmurs of the disalTected were drowned by the 
applause of the patriotic. All was animation in 
the camp — all was confidence in the city. General 
Jackson was in daily, indeed in hourly expectation 
of a renewed attack from the enemy. Although 
the American troops remained upon the field of bat* 
tie until the 24th, yet the disadvantages of the situa- 
tion, and the continuance of the enemy in their first 
position where they landed, with nearly treble his 
force, induced him to fall back nearer to the city* 
Offeubive operations, ynder these circurastancesj, 



:|12 MEMOIRS OP 

would have been rashness bordering upon despera- 
tion. 

Although from the gallant achievements of his 
troops upon the 23d, Gen. Jackson had every thing 
to hope from them> yet he did not, as has often 
been the case in modern warfare, consider irien as 
ammunition^ to be expended at pleasure, to grace 
the commander with laurels. His language to Mr. 
Monroe was — *' ^v thf safety of this city will depend 
on the fate of this army^ it must not be incautiously 
exposed.** He selected the most advantageous po- 
sition, upon the east bank of the Mississippi, and 
commenced a system of defence, which will for ever 
give him an exalted rank among the great corn- 
manders of the nineteenth century. Although, to 
use his own ex[)ressions, for which our copious lan>- 
guai;e can with difficulty furnish a substitute — 
" The surest defence, that seldom fails of success, is^ 
a rampant of high-minded and brave men** — he acted, 
in every situation, as if he was accountable to his 
country and his God, for the life of every man that 
was lost, who fought under his standard. 

Alter the loss of the small flotilla under Lieut. 
Jones, there was no naval defence but the schooner 
Caroline, and she was placed in a situation, which,, 
owing to the current of the Mississippi, and the 
course of the winds, rendered her an easy prey to 
the enemy. Her gallant crew, however,^ defended 
her until the red hot balls thrown from the enem j's> 



ANDREW JACKSON. 213 

battery, set her on fire and blew her up, upon the 
27th. Capt. Patterson, and all his officers and men, 
immediately placed themselves under the command 
of Gen. Jackson, and by their consummate skill in 
gunnery, rendered most essential service in the land 
batteries. I cannot omit a brief extract from Capt. 
Patterson's letter to the Navy Department, dated 
S7th January, 1815. — * I have received from all 
the officers whom I have the honour to command, 
every aid and support which could possibly be ren- 
dered. They have been exposed to extraordinary 
hardships, both by day and night, to all the chan- 
ges of this unstable clime, in this inclement season 
of the year ; performing the most arduous duties 
on shore, out of the line of their profession, inde- 
pendent of their ordinary duties; and all has been 
done and executed, with a cheerfulness and alacrity 
that reflects upon them the highest credit ; and that 
the unwearied exertions of the small naval force on 
this station, from the first appearance of the enemy, 
has contributed, in a great degree, to his expulsion, 
is freely acknowledged by the gallant general, com- 
manding the land forces." The officers mentioned 
in this letter, are Captain Henley; Lieuts. Alexis, 
Thompson, Norris, and Cunningham ; Mr. Purser 
Shields, Dr. Morrell, sailing-master Dealy, surgeon 
Heerman, navy agent Smith ; Maj. Cormick, com- 
manding the marine corps; Mr. Shephard, aid-de- 
camp; Lieut. Nevitt, volunteer; acting Lieuts, 



214 MEMOIRS OF 

Speddin and M'Keever. He further says, — ''My 
petty officers, seamen, and marines, performed their 
duties to my entire satisfaction." 

It has already been mentioned that the gun boats, 
commanded by Lieut. Jones, were captured upon 
the 14!th, and the commander severely wounded. 
His force was gun-boats Nos. 5, 23, 156, 162, and 
163 — the whole mounting 23 guns, and having 183 
men on board. The British force that attacked this 
little gallant flotilla, consisted of 45 boats, 42 guns, 
and 1200 men, commanded by Capt. Lockyer, whose 
loss in killed and wounded exceeded 300 men ; and 
he received three severe wounds himself. Upon 
Lieut. Jones Capt. Patterson bestows the highest 
applause, and most deservedly too ; for, consider- 
ing the species of force he had under his command, 
and the immense superiority of the enemy, his gal- 
lantry is scarcely exceeded by any officer in our 
navy. 

It ought to be mentioned, whenever an opportu- 
nity occurs, as a fact which entitles the command- 
ers of the land and naval forces of the Republic to 
infinite credit, that in every instance, excepting one, 
where they could act in conjunction in conquering 
the enemy, the utmost harmony prevailed. Gen. 
Harrison and Captain Perry — Gen. Macomb and 
Capt. Macdonough — Gen. Jackson and Capt. Pat- 
terson, went hand in hand to victory. Although 
in the last instance, the captain was conipclled to 



ANDREW JACKSON. ^IS 

leave his chosen element, with his gallant crews, he 
joined the army, and aided in the final victory. 

The various passes at the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi were guarded in the hest possible manner, by 
different forts; and considering the short time al- 
lowed to construct them, and the few men only who 
could be spared to garrison them, tlieir defences en- 
title the garrisons to the highest applause. Major 
Overton, at Fort St. Philips, determining never to 
surrender, actually nailed the American flag to his 
standard, and resolved that it should triumphantly 
wave over that of Britain, as long as a living man 
remained in the fort to defend it. The troops at 
the moulhs of the river, were as much inspired with 
fortitude by the addresses and examples of General 
Jackson, as those under his immediate command. 
Having these forts, as well as the current of the Mis- 
sissippi to oppose, the British admiral was prevented 
from bringing any of his larger vessels to co-operate 
with the land forces, in their various attacks upon 
the American lines. Had he been enabled to effect 
this, it is difficult to conceive how the city could 
have been saved. 

Upon the 241 h. Gen. Jackson took his final posi- 
tion. It extended in a direct line from the east 
bank of the Mississippi, into the edge of the Cuprus 
Sivamps a distance exceeding a mile. For the whole 
distance, the troops almost incessantly laboured, 
and with a vigour worthy of the cause that called 



^16 MEMOIRS OF 

forth their laborious exertions, in throwing up a 
strong breast-work, under the protection of which 
they were to be intrenched. From the hunk of the 
river to the edge of the Cypress Swamp, a distance 
of very near a mile, the country was a perfect plain. 
The small force under Gen. Jackson, were in full 
view of the vastly superior force in the British 
camp. Although they had received a check in the 
brilliant aifair of the 23d, it would seem to be the 
result of infatuation itself, that they remained un- 
moved spectators of the measures of defence, the 
American commander was taking, which, if prose- 
cuted to completion, would render them hopeless of 
success. It is hazardous judging from appearance, 
without a knowledge of motives ; but the conduct of 
the British army, at this time, would seem to justify 
the application to them, of a position maintained 
for ages — " ^uem Deus perdere vultj prius dement 
tat^'' — (whom God wills to destroy, he first makes 
mad.) 

Adjoining the river, and in advance of the main 
work, a redoubt was formed to protect the right 
wing of the army, upon which were mounted a 
number of pieces of heavy artilh ry. Through the 
whole line were mounted, at proper distances, can- 
non from six to thirty-two pounders. The breast- 
work was extended from 450 to 500 yards into the 
swamp, to prevent the enemy from turning the left 
wing of the army. This part of the intrenchment, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 2iT 

was constructed with extreme difficulty, and with 
excessive taligue ; being erected in a morass, almost 
impassable from the depth of the mud and water. 
It was wisely supposed that the British commander 
would conclude that the American intreochment, 
reached only to the edge of the swamp; and that 
he would endeavour to force a passage through it, 
and gain the rear of the American army. At the 
immediate edge of the swamp, an angular indent 
was made in the intrenchment, upon which heavy 
pieces of artillery were placed so as to rake the ene- 
my in the swamp, from one side of it, and in the 
open field, from the other. Every hour's labour 
increased the strength of the intrenchment, and 
every event that transpired, augmented the confi- 
dence of the troops. Notwithstanding the rapidly 
increasing security of his small, and to a very con- 
siderable amount unarmed troo})s, Gen. Jackson en- 
deavoured to provide against every event, that 
could endanger their safety, or that of the city. 
Admitting the possibility that the British army, 
from their great superiority in numbers, and from 
the numerous pieces of heavy or<i nance they were 
constantly transporting in barges, frofu their ship- 
ping to their encampment, might force his lines, he 
dispatched the whole of his unarmed men two miles 
in his rear, to erect another breast work, as a rally- 
ing point, at no great distance from the city. In 

this way, he furnished constant employ for all his 
T 



218 MEMOIRS OF 

men, prevented their despondency, and aroused 
their couruge. 

Gen. Jackson was aware that the enemy's main 
army had not yet, (Dec. 24^th,) landed, and wholly 
uncertain where they would make a descent, he 
took the same measures to fortify the country on 
the west, or right bank of the river, as he had upon 
the east, or left bank. An intrenchment was there 
thrown up from the bank of the river, extending 
west to a swamp, which approaches nearer to the 
river than that upon the cast side. Gov. Claiborne 
and the Louisiana militia, being more perfectly 
acquainted with the country, were stationed on the 
right bank of the river. The gallant Capt. Patter- 
son and his crew had erected a battery near the 
bank of the river, and to the main intrenchment. 
This intrenchment was about three quarters of a 
mile below that on the left bank ; and being sup- 
ported by Patterson's battery and his crew, whose 
skill in gunnery was evinced in tl^e battle of the 
23d, it was supposed as capable of sustaining and 
repelling an assault, as that on the left. The com- 
mand of the right bank of the river, was entrusted 
to Gen. Morgan, and a force placed under his com- 
mand sufficient to render it as secure as the left. 

The description of the situation of the American 
forces after the 23d, and the measures then resorted 
to for future safety, may be deemed too minute; 
but it will shortly be shewn that more than two 



ANDREW JACKSON. 219 

thirds of the loss sustained by the Republican army 
in all the severe engagements before New-Orleans, 
was suflered in that engagement in the open field. 
Had Gen. Jackson, like a rash commander, led his 
few undisciplined, and badly armed forces, io field 
fight, against the immensely superior force of Sir 
Edward Pakenham, furnished with every material 
and munition of war, it is almost a certainty, that 
he and his army, would have been prostrated upon 
the same plain where that gallant general, and so 
many of his veteran troops were mingled with the 
dust. The great and good Gen. Jackson, knew that 
the men he commanded, were not mercenary troops, 
hired by a sanguinary monarch, to fight and to die 
at the pleasure of an ambitious commander. His 
army, though small, contained the best blood in 
the adjoining states. Fathers were there, exposing 
their lives for their families, and sons were there 
fighting for their fathers. To return them home to 
a country defended by their valour, and to restore 
them to blessings secured by their toils, was far 
more grateful to his heart, than laurels obtained by 
their blood, to decorate his brows. 

From the 24th to the 28th, the two armies re- 
mained in the position each had taken. Excepting 
the destruction of the schooner Caroline, 'and occa- 
sional skirmishing, nothing was heard but *' dread- 
ful notes of preparation." Having blown up this 
veseel, which committed such ravages among their 



220 MEMOIRS OF- 

troops upon the 23d, and having been reinforced. 
Sir Edward Paiienhani, in person, attacked the 
American lines upon the 28th. The comniander 
thus describes this engagement, in his report to the 
Secretary of War. 

GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE. 

Head' Quarters. 7th Military/ District^ 
Camp, below New-Orleans, 29ih Dec. 18l4r. 

Sir— The enemy succeeded on the 27th, in blow- 
ing up the Caroline, (slie being becalmed ) by means 
of hot shot from a land battery which he had 
erected in the night. Emboldened by this event, he 
marched his whole force the next day, up the level, 
in the hope of driving us from our position, and 
with this viev/, opened upon us, at the distance of 
about half a mile, his bond)s and rockets. He was 
repulsed, however, with considerable loss — not less, 
it is believed, than 120 in killed. Our'*s was incon- 
siderable — not exceeding half a dozen in killed, and 
a dozen wounded. 

Since then he has not ventured to repeat his at- 
tempt, though lying close together. There has 
been frtquent skirmishing between our picquets. 

I lament that I have not Uie means of carrying 
on more oifensive operations, 'i he Kentucky troops 
have not arrived, and my effective force at this 
point, does not exceed 3000. Fheir^ s must be 
at least double— both prisoners and deserters a- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 221 

greeing in the statement, that 7000 landed from 
their boats. AiNDKEW JACKSON. 

In this brief account, it is mentioned that rockets 
and bombs were sent from the British army into the 
American lines. Bombs have long been known to 
our countrymen ; and although they sometimes oc- 
casion accidents, they never excite terror. Rockets 
are of recent invention ; and the glory of having 
invented them is for ever secured by royal favour, 
to an English statesman by the name of Congreve* 
They are called *^ Concjreve rockets ;" and as long 
as Englishmen are permitted to spread havoc and 
devastation through the world, the name of the 
Jaimnne inventor will sound and shine through it. 
Monsieur GvlUotin is entitled to the same kind of 
glory for having invented <in implement of death, 
which bears his name, and to which he fell a victim 
himself. Mr. Congreve may die a natural death* 
Gen. Jackson's intrenchment had already acquired 
too much strength, and his '* rampart of high-mind- 
ed and brave men,'* too much confidence, to be af- 
fected with any thing but solid iron or lead. 

Sir Edward found in this, his first essay, in the 
western world, that he had to contend with other 
soldiers than those of despots, who detest the power 
they fi^ht for. He had to contend with Republican 
Freemen, each of whom had sacred rights to defend : 
T2 



^22 MEMOIRS Of 

and who were ready to sacrifice their lives, in de- 
fence of tiieir beloved Reijuhiic. 

From the ^Sih to the 1st January, the enemy 
were incessantly engaged in strengthening their 
force, by transporting- heavy pitces of artillery 
from their shipping to their lines. The x\mericans 
Tvere no less industriously engaged in preparing to 
defend theirs against the most furious onset that 
could be made. 

Upon the 1st of January, the enemy pushed for- 
ward the whole of I heir heavy artillery, and at the 
same time, with bomi)s and rockets, commenced 
an attack upon the who^e line, from the Mississippi 
to the Cypress Swamp. They were immediately 
answered by the heavy messengers of death that 
were planted upon the extensive ifitrenchment, and 
by the rifles and muskets that were wielded by the 
troops who were secured behind it. The battle 
raged until the approach of darkness induced the 
British assailants to retire to their lines for safety. 
The enemy were repulsed with great loss ; but hav- 
ing carried their dead and woimded from the fi^ld, 
the number could not be ascertained. The loss of 

the Americans was Killed, 11— Wounded, 23. 

Total, 34. 

Convinced that an attack in line, could not be 
made with any hopes of success, they next attempt- 
ed to turn the left wing of the army, by means of 
a battery they had erected in the night season, and 



ANDREW JACKSON. 

in a fosfgy morning, in the edc;e of (he Swamp, 
Confident of accomplishing this object— as the sun 
appeared thronu:h the fog, to their utter astonish- 
ment and consternaUon, they found the American 
intrenchment completed 300 yards beyond their 
battery in the Swamp, and the gallant Gen. Coffee 
and his Tennessee vohmteers ready to repel them. 
Their battery was destroyed — many lives were lost, 
and the assailants precipitately retreated to their 
camp. 

By these repeated attempts, and as often unsuc- 
cessful ones, the British commander was experi- 
mentally convinced, that some mode yet unessayed, 
must be adopted to gain a victory which his coun- 
trymen expected, and even Americans feared, he 
would obtain. No British commander-in-chief, 
since the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, 
by Washington, which terminated the war of the 
Revoliition, had a duty of more peril and impor- 
tance to perform, than had Sir Edward Pakenhara, 
before New- Orleans. Had he gained a victory over 
Gen. Jackson, as Wellington did over Napoleon, he 
would as well have been entitled to a dukedom. 
He resolved not to despair, but to make another 
desperate effort, to acquire equal glory in the west" 
ern, as Arthur Wellesley has in the eastern world. 



2^ MEMOIRS Ot 



CHAPTER XV. 

Gen ..Jackson's and Sir Edward Pakenham's armies from the 1st te 
the 8th January — Gen Morgan's lines — Battle of the 8th Janua- 
ry—Gen. Jackson's report of it- Gen. Morgan's retreat — General 
Jackson's address to the armies — he regains the right bank of the 
Mississippi — Bombardment, and attack upon Fort St. Philips — Maj. 
Overton's report to Gen. Jackson. 

The rival armies — the one under the standard 
of the Eagle, the other under that of the Lion, for 
a short period gazed at each other in silent majes- 
ty. The armies of the Prince Regent, having met 
with nothing but disasters, during the whole cam- 
paign of 1814, had concentrated their forces with 
the navy, before New-Orleans, with a determina- 
tion to wipe off the disgrace they had incurred, by 
a series of almost uninterrupted defeats. The his- 
tory of some of their achievements thus far, has ne- 
cessarily been blended with the Memoirs of Gen. 
Jackson. From no army sent to America, since the 
commencement of the war of the revolution, to 
this period, had sanguinary Englishmen expected 
so much as from this. One of the first officers un- 
der Wellington, Sir Edward Pakenham, was select- 
ed as its commander. Major-Generals Keene, Gibbs, 
and Lambert, were generals of divisions. Most of 
the troops were those who had followed them, in 



ANDREW JACKSON. 225 

their victorious career through the Pyrenees, into 
the heart of France, and who had assisted in gain- 
ing victories over the 6rst Marshals in Europe. In 
these considerations, may be found the reasons for 
the desperation, not to say infatuation, of the Brit- 
ish officers, after they landed in Louisiana. They 
seemed to have adopted the sentiment of Napoleon, 
in the days of his glory, that *' troops who had al- 
ways conquered, will continue to conquer."* Gen. 
Jackson, undismayed, and apparently unconcerned, 
instead of concealing himself in his head quarters 
in the rear of his intrench ment, was constantly with 
his officers and troops, encouraging them by his ex- 
ample, animating them by his presence, and arou- 
sing their patriotism by the most impassioned elc 
qnence. Upon the 4'h, the Kentucky militia arri- 
ved, under Gen. Thomas and Gen. Adair, They 
amounted to about 23()() ; but they brobg:ht very 
little with them, excepting hearts glowing with 
patriotic ardour. But little disciplined, and almost 
without arms, as the General reniarkeu to the Secre- 
tary of War — "My forces, as to numlur, had been 
increased — my strength had received but very little 
addition." The city of New-Orleans had been al- 
most completely stripped of arms, to furnish the 
Louisiana militia, and the United States' arms 
which were known to be in the Mississippi, by some 
unaccountable neglect, had not yet arrived. The 
unarmed troops, however, were immediately placed 



226 MEMOIRS OP 

in situations to be the most serviceable in strength- 
ening the main intrenchraent, and forwarding the 
one two miles in the rear. 

The reader is referred to the description of the 
American intrenchments on each side of the Missis- 
sippi, in the preceding chapter. Gen. Jackson had 
so divided his forces, as to render the one as secure 
as the other. The British commander resolveci, as 
appeared from an order found in the pocket of a 
slain British officer, and by his subsequent meas- 
ures, to attack both lines simultaneously. This was 
anticipated by Gen. Jackson, and measures were 
taken accordingly. General Morgan, on the right 
bank of the river, was aided by the consummate 
skill and courage of Capt. Patterson, whose battery 
was so situated as to protect his lines, and annoy 
the enemy in the most effectual manner. A detach- 
ment of choice Kentucky troops was also passed 
over the river, to give him additional strength. 
Gen. Jackson's forces were thus stationed : the regu- 
lar troops in the redoubt, and on the right next to 
the river — General Carroll's Tennessee militia, and 
Gen. Adair's Kentucky militia, in the centre — and 
Gen. Coffee's brigade upon the left, which penetra* 
ted some distance into the Cypress Swamp. 

The British army had been reinforced by the 
landing of Maj. Gen. Lambert's division. It has 
been ascertained to be an undoubted fact, that 
from the time the British commenced the landing 



ANDREW JACKSON. 2^1 

of troops below New-Orleans, the fu)I amount of 
14!,000 nien had been placed under the command of 
Sir Edward Pakenham. It is impossible to deter- 
mine how many had been lost in the several engage- 
ments, from the 23d December to the 8th January, 
or how many, upon that day, were upon the sick 
list. It would not, however, be deemed improba- 
ble, to conclude, that from 10 to 12,000 were enga- 
ged, about double the effective force of Gen. Jack- 
son. 

Early upon the morning of the 8th January, 1815, 
a day which will for ever be memorable in Ameri- 
can and British annals, a tremendous "shower of 
bombs and Congreve rockets," from the British 
army, announced the battle begun. The result will 
be found in the following reports of the American 
Conqueror. 

GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE, 

Camp, 4 miles below NervOrleanSy 
9th Janunn/^ 1815. 
Sir, — During the days of the 6th and fth, the 
enemy had been actively employed in making pre- 
parations for an attack on my lines. With infinite 
labour they had succeeded, on the night of the 7th, 
in getting their boats across from the lake to the 
river, by widening and deepening the canal on 
which they had rffected their disembarkation. It 
had not been in my power to impede these opera- 



22S MEMOIRS OP 

tions by a general attick: added to other reasons, 
the nature of the troops under my command, most- 
ly militia, rendered it too hazardous to attempt 
extensive offensive movements in an open country, 
against a numerous and well disciplined army. Al- 
though my forces, as to number, had been increased 
by the arrival of the Kentucky division, my strength 
had received very little addition; a small portion 
only of that detachment being provided uith arms. 
Compelled thus to wait the attack of the enemy, I 
took every measure to repel it, when it should be 
made, and to defeat the object he had in view. Gen. 
Morgan, with the New-Orleans contingents, the 
Louisiana militia, and a strong detachment of the 
Kentucky troops, occupied an intrenched camp on 
the opposite side of the river, protected by strong 
batteries on the bank, erected and superintended 
by Com. Patterson. 

In my encampment, every thing was ready for 
action, when, early on the morning of the 8th, the 
enemy, after throwing a heavy shower of bombs 
and Congreve rockets, advanced their columns on 
my right and left, to storm my intrenchments. I 
cannot sprak sufficiently in praise of the firmness 
and deliberation with which my whole line received 
their approach — more could not have been expected 
from veterans inured to war. For an hour, the fire 
of the small arms was as incessant and severe as can 
be imagined. The artillery, too, directed by offi- 



t'ers who displayed equal skill and courage, did 
great execution. Yet the columns of the enemy 
continued to advance, with a firmness which reflects 
upon them the greatest credit. Twice, the column 
which approached me on my left, was repulsed by 
the troops of Gefi. Carroll, those of Gen. Coffee, 
and a division of the Kentucky militia, and twice 
they fdrmed again and renewed the assault. At 
length however, cut to pieces, they fled in confusion 
from the field, leaving it covered with tlieir dead 
atid wounded. The loss which the enemy sustained 
On this occasion, cannot be estimated at less than 
1500 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Upwards 
of three hundred have already been delivered over 
for burial ; and my men are still engaged in pick» 
lug them up within my lines, and carrying them 
to the point where the enemy are to receive them. 
This is in addition to the dead and wounded, whom 
the enemy hcive been enabled to carry from the 
field, during, and since the action, and to those 
who have since died of the wounds they received. 
We have taken about 500 prisoners, upwards of 
300 of whom are woiinded, and a great part of 
them mortally. My loss has not exceeded, and I 
believe has not amounted to, ten killed, and as ma- 
ny wounded. The entire destruction of the enemy's 
army was now inevitable, had it not been for ari 
unfortunate occurrence, which at this moment took 

I'^lace on the other side of the river. Simultaueousljr 

U 



2$0 MEMOIRS OF 

with his advance upon my lines, he had thrown 
over in his boats, a considerable force to the other 
side of the river. These having landed, were har- 
dy enough to advance against the works of Gen. 
Morgan! and what is strange and difficult to ac« 
count for, at the very moment when their entire 
discomfiture was looked for with a confidence ap- 
proaching to certainty, the Kentucky reinforce- 
ments, ingloriously fled, drawing after them, by 
their example, the remainder of the forces; and 
thus yielding to the enemy that most fortunate po- 
sition. The batteries which had rendered me, for 
many days, the most important service, though 
bravely defended, were of course now abandoned ; 
not however, until the guns had been spiked. 

This unfortunate route, had totally changed the 
aspect of affairs. The enemy now occupied a posi- 
tion from which they might annoy us without haz- 
ard, and by means of which they might have been 
enabled to defeat, in a great measure, the effects 
of our success on this side of the river. It became 
therefore, an object of the first consequence, to dis- 
lodge him as soon as possible. For this object, all 
the means in my power, which I could with any 
safety use, were immediately put in preparation. 
Perhaps, however, it was somewhat owing to an- 
other cause, that I succeeded beyond my expecta- 
tions. In negociating the terms of a temporary 
suspension of hostilities, to enable the enemy to 



ANDREW JACKSON. 231, 

bury their dead, and provide for their wounded, I 
had required certain propositions to be acceded to 
as a basis ; among which this was one — that al- 
though hostilities should cease on this side the river 
until 12 o'clock of this day, yet it was not to be 
understood, that they should cease on the other 
side ; but that no reinforcements should be sent 
across by either army, until the expiration of that 
day. His excellency Maj. Gen. I.ambert, begged 
time to consider of those propositions until 10 o'clock 
of to day, and in the mean time re-crossed his 
troops. I need not tell you with how much eager- 
ness I immediately regained possession of the posi- 
tion he had thus hastily quitted. 

The enemy having concentrated his forces, may 
again attempt to drive me from my position, by 
storm. Whenever he does^ I have no doubt my 
men will act with their usual firmness, and sustain 
a character now become dear to them. 

I have the honour, &.c. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

It will be noticed in this account, that Gen. Jack- 
son, while he bestows the most unqualified appro- 
bation upon his own brave troops, does not omit to 
declare, that the *' columns of the enemy continued 
to advance with a firmness which reflects upon them 
the highest credit." A brave man is always gene- 
rous to a brave foe ;. and although a fallen one. 



232 MEMOIRS OiF, 

■;vithlioIds from him no credit that is justly his due. 
The general estimates the loss of the enemy, at 
scarcely half what it really was ; for although the. 
Inspector-General Haynes, makes it 2,600, subse- 
quent acknowledgments from British prisoners make 
it exceed 3,000, 

The agitation felt by the general, at the loss of 
the important post on the right bank of the river, 
under Gen. Morgan, is clearly discoverable in the 
language he uses ; and it has been said that he was 
too severe in saying, '' The Kentucky reinforcements 
ingloriously fled." lie immediately delivered to 
them the following elegant address, in which he 
gives them the fullest credit, for courage, except 
In this instance. 

*' While, by the blessing of heaven, oae of the 
anost brilliant victories was obtained by the troops, 
under ray immediate contmand, no w/>rds can exr 
press the mortification I felt, at witnessing the scene 
exhibited on the opposite bank. I will spare your 
feelings and my own, nor enter into a detail on the 
subject. To all who reflect, it must be a source of 
eternal regret, that a few moments' exertion of that- 
courage you certainly possess, was alone wanting to 
have rendered your success more complete, than- 
tUhat of your fellow ciiizens in this camp. To what 
cause was the abandonment of your lines owing? 
T-o . fear. ? No ! You, aicp the, countrymen^ the. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 23S 

friends, the brothers of those who have secured to 
themselves, by their courage^ the gratitude of their 
country ; who have been prodigal of blood in its 
defence, and who are strangers to any other fear 
than disgrace — To disaffection to our glorious 
cause ? No, my countrymen, your general does 
justice to the pure sentiments by wiiich you are 
inspired. How then could brave men, firm in the 
cause in which they were enroiled, neglect their first 
duty, and abandon the post committed to their 
care ? Tiie want of discipline, the want of order, 
the total disregard to obedience, and a spirit of 
insubordination, not less destructive than cowardice 
itself, are the causes which led to this disaster, and 
they must be eradicated, or I must cease to com- 
mand. I desire to be distinctly understood, that 
every breach of orders, all want of discipline, every 
inattention of duty, will be seriously and promptly 
punished ; tiiat the attentive officers, and good sol- 
diers, may not be mentioned in the disgrace and 
danger, which the negligence of a few may pro- 
duce. Soldiers! you want only the will, in order 
io emulate the glory of your fellow citizens on this 
bank of the river — You have the same motives for 
action— the same interest — the same country to pro- 
tect ; and you have an additional interest, from 
past events, to wipe off reproach, and show that 
you will not be inftrior, in the day of trial, to any 

-^f your countrymen. 
U2 



^34 MEMOmS OF. 

But remember, witliout obedience, without or^ 
cler, without disciplint', all your eiforts are vain, 
T^ie brave man^ inattentive to his duty, is w orth lit- 
tle more to hiq. country, than the coward, who de- 
serts lier in the hour of danger. 

Private opinions, as to tlie competerici/ of ofFicerSy 
ipusl not be indiilged, and still less expressed. It 
is impossibi^ tha.t the measures of those who com- 
mand, should satisfy all who are bound to obey j 
and one of the most dangerous faults in a soldier, is 
a disposition to criticise and blame the orders, and 
characters of his superiors. Soldiers! I know that 
many of yoif have done your duty ; and I trust in 
future, that; I shall have no reason to make any ex- 
ception. Officers'! I have the fullest confidence 
that you will enforce obedience to your commands: 
but above all, that by subordination in your difi'er- 
ent grades, you will set an example to your men* 
and that hereafter th? army of the right will yield 
\q none, in the essential qualities which characterize 
good soldiers— that they will earn their share of 
those honours and rewards, ivhich their countr^^ 
will prepare fgr its deliver ers^^^ 

Gen. Jackson took immediate measures to regain 
by forccy the important post on the right bank of 
the Mississippi ; but, ever anxious to spare the elfu- 
sion of human blood, he obtained it by negocialion^ 
as mentioned in his letter to the Secretary of War. 
The relinquishment ©f this post, seems to be thp 



ANDREW JACKSON. 2SB 

msuli of that infatuation which evinced itself in 
every measure of the British commanders, after 
they landed in Louisiana. Had they abandoned 
the east side of the river, and concentrated their 
forces upon tlie west, with the immense quantity of. 
heavy artillery in their possession, they would have 
had the exclusive command of the country to New- 
Orleans; and what couM then have saved the city, 
must he left to conjecture. Hence the solicitude 
of Gen. Jackson to regain it : hence too, his exces- 
sive mortification at its temporary loss, Notwith.^ 
standing the unparalleled victory obtained, it ap=.. 
pears fronj the following letter, that the general act- 
ed as if the enemy were preparing **^o make a still 
mightier effort to attain his first object J^ 

GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE. 

Head Quarters, Camp, 4 miles below 
New-Orleans^ Jan» 13M, 1815. 
Sir, — At such a crisis, I conceive it my duty to 
keep you constantly advised of my situation. 

On the IQth instant, I fo warded you an account. 
of the bold attempt made by; the enemy, on the 
morning of the 8th, to take possession of my work^ 
by storm, and of the severe repulse which he met 
with. That report having been sent by the maii 
which crosses the lake, may possibly have miscarri: 
ed ; for which reason, I think it the more necessary 
!3riefiy to repeat the substance of it. 



^3(> MEMOmS OF 

Early on the morning of the 8th, the enemy hav- 
ing been actively employed the two preceding days, 
in making preparations for a storm, advanced in 
two strong columns on my right and left. They 
were received, however, with a firmness which it 
seems they little expected, and which defeated all 
their hopes. My men, undisturbed by their ap- 
proach, which indeed they long anxiously wished 
for, opened upon them a fire, so deliberate and cer- 
tain, as rendered their scaling ladders and fascines, 
as well as their more direct implements of warfare, 
perfectly useless. For upwards of an hour it \v^s 
continued with a briskness of which there have been 
but few instances, perhaps, in any country. In jus- 
tice to the enemy, it must be said, they withstood 
it as long as could be expected from the most de- 
termined bravery. At length, however, when all 
prospect of success became hopeless, they fled in 
confusion from the field, leaving it covtred with 
their dead and wounded. Their loss was immense. 
I had at first computed it at 1500; but it is since 
ascertained to have been much greater. Upon in» 
formation, which is believed to be correct. Colonel 
Haynes, the inspector-general, reports it to be in 
total 2600. His report I enclose you. My los& 
was inconsiderable, being only t^ killed, and 6 
wounded. Such a disproportion in loss, when we 

* This was in the action on the line : afterwards a skirmishing was 
Jtept up, in which a few more of our men were lost. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 2St 

jjoDsider the number and the kind of troops enga- 
ged, must, I know, excite astonishment, and may 
not every where be fully credited ; yet I am per- 
fectly satisfied that the account is not exaggerated, 
on the one part, nor underrated on the other. 

The enemy having hastily quitted a post, which 
they had gained possession of, on the other side of 
the river, and we, having immediately returned to 
it, both armies, at present, occupy their former 
positions. Whether, after the severe losses he has 
sustained, he is preparing to return to hi&shippingj 
or to make still mightier efforts to attain his first 
object, 1 do not pretend to determine. It becomes 
me to act as though the latter were his intention. 
One thing, however, seems certain, that if he stilt 
calculates on effecting vvhat he has hitherto been 
unable to accomplish, he must expect considerable 
reinforcements ; as the force with which he landed- 
must be undoubtedly diminished, by at least 3000. 
Besides the loss which he sustained on the night of 
the 23(1 ult. which ia estimated at 400, he cannot 
have suffered less between that period and the morn- 
ing of the 8th inst. than 3000— having, within that 
time, been repulsed in two general attempts-todrive> 
us from our position, and there having been contin- 
ual cannonading and skirmishing during the whole 
of it. Yet he is still able to shew a very formidable 
Iprce. 

There is no doubt that the commanding generalj 



^38 MEMOIRS OP 

Sir Edward Pakenham, was killed, in the action oF 
the 8th, and that Major- Generals Keane and Gibbs 
were baflly wounded. 

Whenever a more leisure moment shall occur, I 
will take the liberty to make and forward you a 
more circumstantial account of the several actions, 
and particularly that of the 8th; in doing which, 
my chief motive will be, to render justice to those 
brave men I have the honour to command, and 
who have so remarkably distinguished themselves, 
I have the honour, &c. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

The rival armies upon the 9th, were restored to 
their former positions; and both were ignorant of 
the intentions of each other. Sir Edvvard Paken- 
ham being slain, and Generals Keane and Gibbs be- 
ing, the one mortally, and the other severely wound- 
ed, were compelled, the one to languish and die, 
the other to languish and barely survive. The 
command devolved upon Myj. Gen. I^ambert. The 
deep penetration of Gen. Jackson might well lead 
him to suppose, that Gen. Lambert, and Col. Thorn- 
ton, (who had once conquered on the right bank of 
the river,) would unite their " mightier eiibrts" to 
conquer on the east. Ever vigilant, and never re- 
miss, he relaxed not in the least from his former en- 
ergy. The plains of Capua^ alter a victory, and the 
luxurious indulgence of the fruits of conquest upon 



ANDREW JACKSON. 339 

them, proved to be the destruction of Hannibal and 
his army. Gen. Jackson was resolved, that the banks 
of the Mississippi should not prove so to him and 
his patriotic companions. 

While every exertion was made to prepare for 
another attack, the distant thunder of cannon, an- 
nounced to the armies, the operations of the power- 
ful British naval force at the month of the Missis- 
sippi. From the official report of Maj. Overton to 
Gen. Jackson, it may he conchided, that Admiral 
Cochrane, and Sir Edward Pakenham, had agreed 
to commence final operations at the same time — the 
one to capture New Orlean?, the other to destroy 
the American forts at the mouth of the river. Upon 
the memorable 8th January, a squadron of the Brit- 
ish naval force appeared before Fort St. Philips. 
Gen. Jackson thus writes to the Secretary at War; 
" I have the honour to enclose you Maj. Overton's 
report of the attack of Fort St. Philips, and of the 
manner in which it was defended. The conduct 
of that officer, and of those who acted under him, 
merits, I think, great praise. They nailed their 
own colours to the standard, and placed those of 
the enemy underneath them, determined never to 
surrender the fort." The following is the report 
alluded to by the general. 



fid MEMOIRS OF 

MA J. W. H. OVERTON TO GEN. jACKSOMc 

Fort St, Philips, Jan. 19, 1813. 
Sir,— On the 1st of the present month, I received 
the information, that the enemy intended passing 
this fort, to CO operate with their land forces, in the 
subjugation of Louisiana, and the destruction of 
New-Orleans. To eiXtc\ this with more facilityj 
they were first, with their heavy homb vessels, to 
bombard this place into compliance. On the 
groHtids of this information, I turned my attention 
to the security of my command. I erected small 
magazines in different parts of the garrison, that if 
one blew up, I could resort to another* built covers 
for my men, to secure them from the explosion of 
the shells, and removed the combustible matter 
without the work. Early in the day of the 8th 
inst. I was advised of their approach, and on the 
9th, at a quarter past 10, A. M. hove in sight, twC 
bomb vessels, one sloop, one brig, and one schooner : 
they anchored tv^o and one quarter miles below. At 
half past 11, and at half past 12, they advanced 
two barges, apparently for the purpose of sounding 
within one and a half miles of the fort. At this 
moment, I ordered my water battery, under the 
command of Lieut. Cunningham, of the navy, to 
open upon them : its well directed shot caused a 
precipitate retreat. At half past 3 o'clock, P. M. 
Ihe enemy's bomb vessels opened their fire, from four 
sea-mortars, two of thirteen inches, two of XtW'^ and, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 241 

to my great mortification, I found they were with- 
out the eiiective ran^e of my shot, as many subse- 
quent expt^riments proved. They continued theii? 
fire, with little intermission, during the 10th, 11th, 
12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and ITth. I ccca- 
sionaily opened my batteries on them with great 
vivacity, particularly when they showed a dispo- 
sition to change their position. 

On the irth, in the evening, our heavy mortar 
was said to be in readiness. I ordered that excel- 
lent officer, Capt. Wolstoncroft, of the artillerists, 
who previously had charge of it, to open a fire, 
which was done with great eHect, as the enemy 
from that moment became disordered, and at day- 
light on the 18th, commenced their retreat, after 
having thrown upwards of a thousand heavy shells, 
besides shells from howitzers, round shot and grape, 
which he discharged from boats, under cover of the 
night. 

Our loss in this afTair has been uncommonly 
small, owing entirely to the great pains that were 
taken by the diiierent officers to keep their men 
undercover; as the enemy left scarcely ten feet of 
this garrison untouched. 

The officers and soldiers, through this whole af- 
fair, althou-h nine days and nights under arms, in 
the dilferent batteries, with the consequent fatigue 
and loss of sleep, have manifested the greatest firm- 
ness and the most zealous warmth to beat the ene- 
W 



24i^ MEMOIRS O? 

my. To distinguish individuals, would be a deli- 
cate task, as merit was conspicuous every where. 
Lieut. Cunningham, of the navy, who commanded 
my water battery, with his brave crew, evinced the 
most determined bravery and uncommon activity 
throughout: in fact, Sir, the only thing to be re- 
gretted, is, that the enemy was too timid to give 
us an opportunity of destroying him. 

I herewith enclose you a list of the killed and 
wounded. I am, Sir, very respectfully, 

W. H. OVERTON. 

The loss of the Americans, from the official re- 
port, was, killed, 2 — wounded, 7 — total, 9. No- 
thing but the immense importance of the post he 
commanded, can justify Maj. Overton in nailing his 
colours to his standard. Even the praise of Gen. 
Jackson, cannot wholly exculpate a commander for 
an act, which might have led to the sacrifice of his 
7vhole garrison, by a force, to contend with which, 
would have been desperation. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 24;3 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Situation of the armies after tiie battle of the 8th January — Melaa- 
choly and distressing scene — Operations at the mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi — Departure of the enemy — Gen. Jackson's address to the 
American troops — Disparity in the loss of the two armies. 

Although the American army under Gen. Jack- 
son, and the British army under Gen. Lambert, 
remained in full view of each other, from the 9th 
to the 18th, no hostile military operations took place 
between them, during that time. The first were 
preparing for a renewed attack, enjoying the repose 
their valour had rendered secure, and which many 
days of excessively hard labour, and a number of 
severe fighting, rendered peculiarly necessary. The 
last were employed in discharging the most melan- 
choly duties of the camp. The soldiers were en- 
gaged in depositing in the bosom of the earth, their 
slain comrades, who had for many days previous, 
fought by their sides upon its surface, and assuaging 
the distresses of the wounded who yet survived. 
Humanity must weep over such a scene ; and in the 
death and anguish of the gallant, and comparative- 
ly innocent soldiers of England, for a season forget 
the wicked cause in which they fell — the cause of 
tyranny against freedom. Even the patriotic sol- 



244 MEMOIRS OP 

diers of our beloved Republic, in beholding the 
banks of the majestic Mississippi, converted into an 
outspread sepulchre for veteran foemen, who had 
one common origin with themselves, must have 
dropped a manly tear. But how soon will reflec- 
tion compel them to pour forth the most indignant 
imprecations against the British government, whose 
systematic injustice first occasioned the war, and 
against the British officers, whose Vandalism and 
barbarity, even charity itself can never forgive. 
It must crimson with a blush every Englishman, 
who reads the history of the nineteenth century, 
when he finds it recorded, that an officer, the pride 
of England, confident of capturing one of the finest 
cities in America, gave as a countersign, upon the 
day his army was to enter it — *' Booty and Beau- 
ty)** The hard earnings of patient industry, were 
to be ravished from the defenceless citizens, and 
their wives and daughters to be subjected to the 
diabolical lust of a full-gorged soldiery. The in- 
nocent and accomplished females of New-Orleans, 
who had spent days of labour, and nights of watch- 
fulness, in alleviating the toils of their valiant coun- 
trymen, while stationed under the banners of the 
Kepublic, were to suffer more than ten thousand 
deaths could inflict, before the very eyes of those 
who had blessed them for their bounty, but who 
could no longer extend to them protection. Well 
may the English reader exclaim with an ancient 



ANDREW JACKSON'. 24ih 

poet — " ^uis temprret a lachn/wis, talia fandoy'* 
(who can refrain from tears in rektine:siich deeds;) 
and well may the patriotic sons of Columl^ia, when 
thinking of their impl-tcable enemy, resolve to be, 

*' Fire to fire, flint to flint, and to outface 
" The brow of bragging horror." 

It would seem that Gen. Lambert had determin- 
ed to maintain his position upon the Mississippi, 
until he learned the result of the naval operations 
at its mouth. Upon the ITth, Capt. Wolsloncroft, 
of the artillerists, having taken a position which 
brought the British shipping within the range of 
his mortar, immediately threw them into disorder, 
and compelled them to retire. Upon the 18lh, 
Gen. Lambert having had time to receive this dis- 
couraging intelligence, decamped in the night sea- 
son, as appears from the following oiJicial commu- 
nication. 

GEN. JACKSON TO HON. JAMES MONROE. 
Camp below New-Orleans ^ l^th Jan 1815. 

Last night at 12 o'clock, the enemy precipitate- 
ly dtcamped and returned to their boats, leaving 
behind him under medical attendance eighty of his 
wounded, including two officers, 14< pieces of his 
heavy artillery, and a quantity of shot, having 
destroyed much of his powder. Such was the sit- 
uation of the ground he abandoned, and of that 
through which he retired, protected by cabals, re- 



2i6 MEMOIRS OF 

doubts, infrenchmentg, and swamps on his right, 
and the river on his left, that I could not without 
encountering a risi?, which true policy did not seem 
to require, or to authorize, attempt to annoy him 
much on his retreat. We took only eight prisoners. 

Whether it is the purpose of the enemy to aban- 
don the expedition altogether, or renew his efl'orts 
at some other point, I do not pretend to determine 
with positiveness. In my own mind, however, 
there is but little doubt, that his last exertions have 
been made in this quarter; at any rate for the pre- 
sent season, and by the ?wxt, I hope we shall be ful- 
ly prepared for him. In this belief, I am strength- 
ened not only by the prodigious loss he has sustain- 
cd at the position he has just quitted, but by the 
failure of his fleet to pass Fort St. Philips. 

His loss on the ground, since the debarkation of 
his troops, as stated by the last prisoners and desert- 
ers, and as confirrried by many additional circum* 
stances, must have exceeded four thousand ; and 
was greater in the action of the 8th, than was esti- 
mated, from the most correct data then in his pos- 
session, by the inspector-general, whose report has 
been forwarded to you. We succeeded, on the 8th, 
in getting from the enemy about 1000 stand of arms 
of various descriptions. 

Since the action of the 8th, the enemy have been 
allowed very little respite — my artillery from both 
sides of the river, being constantly employed, til) 



ANDREW JACKSON. 24it 

the night, and indeed until the hour of their retreat, 
in annoying them. No doubt they thought it quite 
time to quit a position in which so little rest could 
be found. 

I am advised by Maj. Overton, who commands at 
Fort St. Philips, in a letter of the iSUi, that the 
enemy having bombarded his fort for eight or nine 
days, from 13 inch mortars, without effect, had, on 
the morning of that day, retired. I have little doubt 
that he would have been able to have sunk their 
vessels, had they attempted to run by. 

Giving the proper weight to all these considera- 
tions, I believe you will not think me too sanguine 
in the belief, that Louisiana is now clear of its 
enemy. I hope, however, I need not assure you, 
that wherever / command^ such a belief shall never 
occasion any relaxation in the measures for resist- 
ance. I am but too sensible, that the moment when 
the enemy is opposing us, is not the most proper to 
provide for them. 

I have the honour to be, Sec, 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

P. S. On the ISlh, our prisoners on shore were 
delivered us, an exchange having been previously- 
agreed to. Those who are on board the fieet, 
will be delivered at Petit Coquille— after which, I 
shall still have in my hands an excess of several hun- 
dred. 

:20th.— »Mr. Shields, purser in the navy, has to- 



24& MEMOIRS OF 

day taVen 54 prisoners ; among them are four offi^ 
cers. A. J. 

Thus enrlfd the expedition of the British arniy, 
agaiii t u.e city of New-Orleans — thus ended the 
denionsira'ion of the British naval force, against 
the f rts at the mouth of the Mississippi. The de- 
tail ol" events which took place in this interesting 
and important section of the Republic, have neces- 
sarily been blended with the Memoirs of Gen. Jack- 
son. Indeed, they are identified with each other— 
he was ihe Jirst motion of every movement. 

The deeply interesting scenes through which 
Gen. Jackson, his army, and the citizens of New- 
Orleans ivere called to pass, from the 16th Decern* 
ber, 1814, to the ISili January, 1815, would fur- 
nish sut)jects for a volume far more extended than 
the whole of this little work. In a few pages I 
have endeavoured to present the reader uith the 
promiuet facts connected with these great events. 
That they were derived from sources inilisputal^iy 
accurate, I have the most confident assurance. A 
brief recapitiilation v:ould be attempted, were it not 
in my power to furnish the reader with the elegant 
and impressive address of Gen. Jnrkson to his troops 
npon the 31st January, which follows. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 24)9 

Directed by Maj. Gen. Jackson, to be read at the head of each of the 
corps composing the line below New-Orleans, Jan. 21, 1816. 

ADDRIiSS. 

Citizens, and fellow soldiers! The enemy has re- 
treated, and your general has now leisure to pro- 
claim to the world what he has noticed with admi- 
ration and pride— your undaunted coiiraqe, your 
patriotism, and patience, under hardships and fa- 
tigues. Natives of different states, acting together 
for the first time in this camp; differing in habits 
and in language, instead of viewing in these cir- 
eumstances, the germ of distrust and division, you 
have made them the source of an honourable emu- 
lation, and from the seeds of discord itself, have 
reaped the fruits of an honourable union. This 
day completes the fourth week, since fifteen hun- 
dred of you attacked treble your number of men> 
who had boasted of their discipline and their servi- 
ces under a celebrated leader, in a long and event- 
ful war— attacked them in their camp, the moment 
they had profaned the soil of freedom, with their 
hostile tread, and inflicted a blow which was a pre- 
lude to the final result of their attempt to conquer, 
or their poor contrivances to divide us. A few 
hours was sufiicient to unite the gallant band, 
though at the moment they received the welcome 
order to march, they were separated many leagues, 
in different directions from the city. The gay ra- 
pidity of the march, and the cheerful countenances 



250 MEMOIRS OF 

of the officers and men, would have induced a be- 
lief* that some festive entertainment, not the strife 
of battle, was the scene to which they hastened 
with so much eagerness and hiiarity. In the con- 
flict that ensued, the same spirit was supported, 
and my communications, to the executive of the 
U. States, have testified the spnse 1 entertained of 
the merits of the corps and officers 4 bat were enga- 
gctl. Resting on the fiehl of battle, they retired in 
perfect order on the next morning to these lines, 
destined to become the scene of future victories, 
which they were to share with the rest of you, my 
brave companions in arms. Scarcely were your 
lines a protection against musket shot, when on 
the 28th, a disposition was made to attack them 
with ail the pomp and parade of military tactics, as 
improved by those veterans of the Spanish war. 

Their batteries of heavy cannon kept up an in- 
cessant fire; their rockets illuminated the air; and 
under their cover, two strong columns threatened 
our flanks. The foe insolently thought that this 
spectacle was too imposing to be resisted, and in 
the intoxication of his pride, he already saw our 
lines abandoned without a contest — how were these 
menacing appearances met ? By shouts of defiance, 
by a manly countenance, not to be shaken by the 
roar of his cannon, or by the glare of his firework 
rockets; by an artillery served with superior skill, 
and with deadly effects JNever, my brave friends, 



ANDREW JACKSON. 251 

can your general forget the testimonials of attach* 
raent to our glorious cause, of inriignant hatred to 
our foe, of affectionate confidence in your chief, 
that resounded from every rank, as he passed along 
your line. This animating scene damped the cour- 
age of the enemy ; he dropped his scaling ladders 
and fascines, and the threatened attack dwindled 
into a demonstration, which served only to shew the 
emptiness of his parade, and to inspire you with a 
just confidence in yourselves. 

The new year was ushered in with the most tre- 
mendous fire his whole artillery could produce: a 
few hours only, however, were necessary fur the 
brave and skilful men, who directed our own, to 
dismount his cannon, destroy his batteries, and 
efiectiially silence his fire. Hitherto, my brave 
friends, in the contest on our lines, your courage 
had been passive only ; you stood uith calmness, a 
fire that would have tried the firmness of a veteran, 
and you anticipated a nearer contest uith an eager- 
ness which was soon to be gratified. 

On the 8lh of January the final efi'ort was made. 
At the dawn of day the batteries opened, and the 
columns advanced. Knoning that the volunteers 
from Tennessee, and the militia from Kentucky, 
were stationed on your left, it was there they di- 
rected their chief attack. 

Reasoninj; always Irom falfc prir.ciples, they ex- 
pected iiltie opposition from men, whose officers 



252 MEMOIRS OF 

even were not in uniform, who were ignorant of tlie 
rules of dress, and who had never been caned into 
discipline. Fatal mistake ! a fire incessantly kept 
up, directed with a calmness and unerring aim, 
strewed tht field with the bravest officers and men, 
of the column which slowly advanced, according to 
the most approved rules of European tactics, and 
was cut down by the untutored courage of Ameri- 
can militia. Unable to sustain this galling and 
unceasing fire, some hundreds nearest the intrench- 
nient called for quarter, which was granted — the 
rest retreating, were rallied at some distance, but 
only to make them a surer mark for the grape and 
cannister shot of our artillery, which, without exag- 
geration, mowed down whole ranks at every dis- 
charge ; and at length they precipitately retired 
from the field. 

Our right had only a short contest to sustain with 
a few rash men, who fatally for themselves, forced 
their entrance into the unfinished redoubt on the 
river. They were quickly dispossessed, and this 
glorious day terminated with the loss to the enemy, 
of their coraniandtrin-chief and one major-general 
kilh'd, another major general wounded, the most 
experienced and bravest of their officers, ami more 
than three thousand nun killed, wounded and miss- 
ing, while our ranks, my friends, were thinned on- 
ly by the loss of seven of our brave companions kill- 
ed, and six disabled by wounds — wonderful interpo- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



^53 



sition of heaven ! unexampled event in the history 
of war ! 

Let us be grateful to the God of battles, who has 
directed the arrows of indignation agaiuvst our in- 
vaders, while he covtred with his protecting shield 
the brave defenders of their country. 

After this unsuccessful and disastrous attempt, 
their spirits were broken, their force was destroyed, 
and their whole attention was employed in provi- 
ding the means of escape. This they have effect- 
ed ; leaving their heavy artillery in our power, and 
many of their wounded to our clemency. The con- 
sequences of this short but decisive campaign, are 
incalculably important. The pride of our arrogant 
enemy humbled, his forces broken, his leaders kill- 
ed, his insolent hopes of our disunion frustrated — 
his expectation of rioting in our spoils and wasting 
our country, changed into ignominious defeat, 
shameful tiight, and a reluctant acknowledgment of 
the humanity and kindness of those, whom he had 
doomed to all the horrors and humiliation of a con- 
quered state. 

On the other side, unanimity established, disaffec- 
tion crushed, confidence restored, your country 
saved from conquest, your property from pillage, 
your wives and daughters from insult and violation 
— the union preserved from dismemberment, and 
perhaps, a period put by this decisive stroke, to a 

bloody and savage vvar. These, my brave friends, 

' X 



254 MEMOIRS OF 

are the consequences of the efforts you have made, 
and the success with which they have been crowned 
by heaven. 

Tiiese important results have been eiFected by 
the unitt d courage and perseverance of the army ; 
but which the dilFerent corps, as well as the indi- 
viduals that compose it, have vied with each other 
in their exertions to produce. The gratitude, the 
admiration of their country, offers a fairer reward, 
than that which any praises of the general can be- 
stow, and the best is that of which they can never 
be deprived, the consciousness of having done their 
duty, and of meriting the applause they will receive. 

The history of modern warfare furnishes innu« 
jnerable instances of enthusiastic and ardent appeals 
to the pride and courage of soldiers, before battles 
were fought, and most extravagant exaggerations of 
their achievements, after they were won. In the 
addresses of Gen. Jackson to his troops, before he 
entered the sanguinary field, nothing is to be dis- 
covered but the cool, dignified, and majestic lan- 
guage of a great commnndtv, pi'rpared for victory. 
When he had vanquished his foe, the highest en- 
comium he could bestow upon his officers and sol- 
diers was, that they had answered his expectations. 
In no instance but one, in the numerous battles he 
had fought and conquered, had he occasion to ex- 
press regret at the conduct of any portion of his 



ANDREW JACKSON. 255 

troops; and in (hat very instance, he gained one of 
the greatest victories recorded in modern history— 
that of the 8th January, 1815. His agitation at 
losing the right bank of the Mississippi, for only a 
few hours, compelled him to say to a section of his 
little army, that he was disappointed. 

With Gen. Jackson, victory was never the result 
of accident or fortune. It was the necessary effect 
produced by a known cause. Although invariably 
victorious, it would be a miserable eulogy to pro- 
nounce him a /or^Mwr?^^ commander. He left no- 
thing to be i\tcU\ti\ by the capricious " fortune of 
war," which as often gives glory to a blundering 
braggadocio, as to an accomplished general. He 
acted as though he was the guardian, as m ell as the 
commander of the soldiers, and as if he was ac- 
countable for every limb and life lost by executing 
his commands. The manner in which he defended 
New Orleans, evinced the solicitude he felt for the 
lives of his soldiers ; and although he was conscious 
that it would assuage the sorrow of the surviving 
friends of slain heroes, to declare that they died 
covered with glory, yet, in restoring them to the 
bosoms of their connections, with the laurels of 
victory upon their living brows, and \ht ardour of 
patriotism in their beating hearts, he felt as if he 
was rendering to his countrymen and to his country, 
the best account of his battles and his victories. 

The astonishing disparity in the losses of the 



256 



MEMOIRS OF 



American and Rritisli armies, Avould stagger the 
belief of the reader, were it not presented to him 
from most indubitable evidence. From official re- 
ports, now in the War Office, it appears that the 
whole loss of the Americans, before New-Orleans, 
and at the mouth of the Mississippi, was as follows : 

Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. 



Dec. 23d, 
Dec. 28th, 
Jan. 1st, : 
Jan. 8th, : 
From 9th to ITth, at 
Fort St. Philips, 



24^ 
7 

U 
13* 

! 2 



115 


: 74 


: ^13 


8 


: 00 


: 15 


23 


: 00 


: 34 


30 


: 19 


: 62 


7 


: 00 


: 9 

333 


were 


kiiled- 


-of the 



Thus it appears that but 57 were killed- 
183 wounded, it is not known that any one died ; 
and of the 93 missing, it is not known that but one 
deserted, and he m as hung before the British camp, 
by order of the commander, immediately after the 
final victory over him.f Notwithstanding the se- 
verity of the season — the excessive labour and fa- 
tigue of the troops, and the want of camp equipage, 
but few died ; so that it may be said of Gen. Jack- 

* But seven were killed in the engagement. 

t This man was the only deserter from Gen. Jackson's army. He 
told Sir Edward ivbere the weakest part of the American lines were, 
having nothing but Tennessee and Kentucky militia to defend it. Th« 
principal column of the enemy attacked that point. After the defeat, 
*bey raided at the deserter and hung him. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 25 

son, as it was said of an ancient warrior—*' He was 
twice a conqueror, for he brought home full num- 
bers.'' 

The loss of the British, from their own acknowl- 
edgment, and from the most correct accounts, must 
have been from 4:500 to 5000. Ttie mention of 
New-Orleans, while it calls up the most grateful 
and animated recollection of Americans, reminds 
Englishmen of one of the most disastrous defeats 
recorded in the history of their country. 



X2 



258 WEMOIKS OF 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Gen. Jackson appoints a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise, for the vic- 
tories obtained, and for the preservation of the city, upon the 23d 
January — Doct. Dubourg's Address — the General's answer — con- 
tinues his exertions to render the country more secure — surrender 
cf Fort Bowyer — peace proclainfied — discharge of troops — General 
Jackson's address to them — Remark. 

The attention of the reader is now to be called 
from scenes of carnage, wounds, death, defeat, and 
victory, to one, the most deeply interesting that can 
possibly be presented to the view of man. He is to 
be suddenly transported from those appalling scenes, 
which, if tears are permitted to soil the purity of 
heaven, must make the angels weep, to one which 
must make them rejoice. 

Gen. Jackson, his gallant officers, and his troops, 
although loaded with earthly honours, and greeted 
with the acclamations of a grateful and protected 
people, did not omit to render that homage which 
is due to that Almighty Being, who *♦ reigns in the 
armies of heaven above, as nell as in the earth be- 
?ieath." A day of thanksgiving and solenm praise, 
was appointed by the general. It was upon the 
23d of January. The solemn rites were performed 
in the Cathedral in New-Orleans. To behold a war- 
worn veteran, like Gen. Jackson, surrounded by his 



ANDREW JACKSON. 259 

war-worn officers and troops, prostrated upon the 
altar of adoration, aud oiTeringto the God of Bat- 
tles, that glory which the world had bestowed up- 
on thei?i, must have moved the heart of apathy itself. 
It is totally impossible for one who was not a wit- 
ness of the scene, to have a conception of its solemn 
grandeur. The solemn peals of the organ, in uni- 
son vv ith vocal praises, sent up to heaven the grate- 
ful acknowledgments of a preserved people. " Grim 
visag^d nar had smoothed its ?vrinkled front^' — tears 
of exquisite joy rolled down the cheeks of soldiers 
and citizens, and the hearts of all were swollen with 
gratitude to the King of kings, and Lord of lords. 
The Republic was safe ; a vaunting foe was over- 
thrown, and, although the memories of the few who 
had fallen in the sanguinary field — ^^ in sad reme^n- 
hrance Tose^'' it was a subject of inexpressible con- 
solation, that almost all the soldiers who had form- 
ed the impregnal)le rampart upon the plains of the 
Mississippi, were now assembled in the city, which 
owed its preservation to their valour, and to the 
blessing of heaven. 

Upon this occasion, the Rev. Doct. Dubourg, the 
administrator apostolic of the diocese of Louisiana, 
delivered to the General an address, replete with 
the pious effusions of the Christian, and the elegan- 
cies of the scholar. Although it has long been be- 
fore the public, I cannot omit to enrich this volume 
by inserting a part of it, together with the impres- 



260 MEMOIRS Of 

sive answer of Gen. Jackson. While they will be 
read with rapture by the Christian, they cannot 
fail to excite the admiration of the patriot. 

The venerable minister of the gospel thus ad- 
dressed the Hero of New-Orleans, and the gallant 
officers and soldiers who had followed him to victo- 
ry, and now joined him in adoration : — *' General, — 
While the state of Louisiana, in the joyful trans- 
ports of her gratitude, hails you as her deliverer, 
and the assertor of her menaced liberties — while 
grateful America, so lately wrapped up in anxious 
suspense, on the fate of this important city, is re- 
echoing from shore to shore, your splendid achieve- 
ments, and preparing to inscribe your name on her 
immortal rolls, among those of her Washingtons — 
while history, poetry, and the monumental arts, will 
vie, in consigning to the admiration of the latest 
posterity, a triumph, perhaps, unparalleled in their 
records — while thus raised by universal acclamation, 
to the very pinnacle of fame — how easy had it been 
for you, General, to forget the Prime Mover of 
your wonderful successes, and to assume to yourself 
a praise, which must essentially return to that ex- 
alted source, whence every merit is derived. But, 
better acquainted with the nature of true glory, 
and justly placing the summit of your ambition, in 
approving yourself the worthy instrument of hea- 
ven's merciful designs, the first impulse of your re- 
ligious heart was, to acknowledge the interposition 



ANDREW JACKSON. 261 

of Providence— .your first step, a solemn display of 
your humble sense of His favours. Still agitated at 
the remembrance of those dreadful agonies, from 
which we have been so miraculously rescued, it is 
our pride to acknowjedge, that the Almighty has 
truly had the principal hand in our deliverance, 
and to follow you, General, in attributing to His in- 
finite goodness, the homage of our unfeigned grati- 
tude. Let the infatuated votary of a blind chance, 
deride our credulous simplicity; let the cold heart- 
ed atheist look for the explanation of important 
events, to the mere concatenation of human causes: 
to us, the whole universe is loud in proclaiming a 
Supreme Ruler, who, as he holds the hearts of men 
in his hand, holds also the thread of all contingent 
occurrences. 

To Him, therefore, our most fervent thanks are 
due, for our late unexpected rescue. It is Him we 
intend to praise, when considering you, General, as 
the man of his right hand, whom he has taken pains 
to fit out for the important commission of our de- 
fence. We extol that fecundity of genius, by 
which, under the most discouraging distress, you 
created unforeseen resources ; raised, as it were, 
from the ground, hosts of intrepid warriors, and 
provided every vulnerable point with ample means 
of defence. To Him we trace that instinctive supe- 
riority of your mind, which at once rallied around 
you universal confidence; impressed one irresistible 



202 MEMOIRS OF 

moveniPnt to all the jarring elements of which this 
puiiiical machine is composed ; aroused their slum- 
bering spirits, and did'used through every rank the 
nohle ardour which glowed in your bosom. To 
Him, in fin«% we address our acknowledgments for 
that consummate prudence, which defeated all the 
combinations of a sagacious enemy, entangled him 
in the very snares which he had spread for us, and 
succeeded in effecting his utter destruction, without 
exposing the lives of our citizens. Immortal thanks 
be to his Supreme Majesty, for sending us such an 
instrument of His bountiful designs! A gift of that 
value, is the best token of the continuance of His 
protection — the most solid encouragement to sue for 
new favours. The first, which it emboldens us hum- 
bly to supplicate, as nearest our throbbing hearts, is 
that you may long enjoy the honour of your grate- 
ful country; of which you will permit us to present 
you a pledge, in this Wreath of Laurei., the prize 
of victory, the symbol of immortatity. The next is 
a speedy and honourable termination of the bloody 
contest, in which we are engaged. No one has so 
efficaciously laboured as you. General, for the accel- 
eration of that blissful period: may we soon reap 
that sweetest fruit of your splendid and uninterrupt- 
ed victories." 

The General thus replied to this solemn and im*^ 
pressive address. His allusion to the "cypress 



ANDREW JACKSON. 263 

leaf," a symbol of grief and wo, is inimitably fine. 
Cypress groves were constantly in view of tlie rival 
armies, during their sanguinary conflicts, and they 
will hereafter remind Englishmen of the carnage 
committed amongst his infatuated counfrymen, in- 
vading our soil, by the gallant armies of the Repub- 
lic in defending it. 

''Reverend Sir, — T receive, with gratitude and 
pleasure, the symbol crown, which piefy has prepa- 
red, I receive it in the name of the brave men 
who so effectually seconded ray exertions — they 
well deserve the laurels which their country will 
bestow. 

For myself, to have been instrumental in the de- 
liverance of such a country, is the greatest blessing 
that heaven could confer. That it has been effect- 
ed with so little loss— that so few tears should cloud 
the smilrs of our trisimph, and not a cypress leaf 
be interwoven in the wreath which you present, is a 
source of the most exquisite pleasure. I thank you, 
reverend Sir, most sinrfrely, for the prayers which 
you offer up for my happiness. May those your 
patriotism dictates for our beloved country, be first 
beard; and nsay mine, for your individual pros- 
perity, as well as that of the cong;resi:ation commit- 
ted to your care, be favourably received : the pros- 
perity, wealth, and happiness of this city, will then 



264 MEMOIRS OF 

be commensurate with the courage and other quali- 
ties of its inhabitants.'* 

Gen. Jackson, although he felt as if Louisiana and 
its capital were safe, did not remit any of his exer- 
tions to render the country still more secure. With 
the assistance of his beloved associates, Generals 
Coifee, Carroll, Atlair, Sec an<l the troops under 
their immediate command, he continued to aug- 
ment the strens^th of his lines on each bank of the 
Mississippi. From his uniform language and con- 
duct at this period, it would appear that he suppo- 
sed the negociations at Ghent, would not terminate 
amicably. In one of his letters to Mr. Monroe, the 
Secretary of War, he says — -'■ In my own mind, there 
is but little doubt, that his [the British command- 
er's] last exertions have been made in ^^2*5 quarter, 
at any rate for the present season ; and by the next, 
I hope we shall be fully prepared for him." In an- 
other one he says — '' Wherever I command, such a 
belief [that the enemy would retire,] shall never 
occasion any relaxation in the measures of resistance. 
I am but too sensible that the moment when tlie en- 
emy is opposing us, is not the most proper U) pro- 
vide for him " 

By the Sith of January, every hostile foot was 
driven from the soil of Louisiana, and Gtx). Lam- 
bert and his armys were compelled to seek for safety 
in \{\^ fleet of Admiral Cochrane, and even that was 



ANDREW JACKSON. 265 

compelled to keep at a respectful distance from the 
shores of the Republic. 

Before the 8th February, the British forces had 
positive and certciin intelligence, that a treaty of 
peace between America and Great- Britain, had been 
signed by the commissioners of the two governments 
at Ghent. They were aware, however, that it was 
not binding until ratifications were exchanged. Anx- 
ious to wipe oif the indelible disgrace they had in- 
curred at New-Orleans, upon the 8th of January, 
they assailed Fort Bowyer, at the mouth of the 
Mobile, upon the 8th of February, with their whole 
land and naval forces. The gallant Lawrence was 
still there; but resistance would have been the sa- 
crifice of his *' little phalanx." He surrendered 
the fort ; but one condition was, that the Americans 
should march out of it, " with colours fliiing^ and 
drums beating — the officers retaining their swords,''^ 

The *''• commanders in-chief of his Britannic ma- 

jesti/s land and unval forces upon the American sta- 

tion^ are welcome to all the little glory they claim, 

for taking this little fort, only to surrender it up 

again. 

Upon the 13th February, Gen. Jackson was ad- 
vised of the ratification of the Xr^^ty of Peace, by 
an express from the War Deparlment. The follow- 
ing address to his troops, upon ordering them to be 
marched home, will alwa^'s be read with delight- 

y 



266 MEMOIRS OF 

"The Major General is at length enabled to per- 
form the pleasing task, of restorinj^ to TennesseCj 
Kentucky, Louisiana, and the territory of the Mis- 
sissippi, the brave troops who have acted such a 
distinguished part, in the war which has just ter- 
nunated. In restoring these brave men to their 
homes, much exertion is expected of, and great re- 
sponsibility imposed on, the commanding officers of 
the different corps. It is required of Maj. Gens. 
Carroll and Thomas, and Bug. General Coffee, to 
march their commands, without unnecessary delay, 
to their respective states. The troops from the 
Mississippi teriitory, and state of Louisiana, both 
militia and volunteers, will be iraniediately muster- 
ed^out of service, paid, and discharged. 

The Major- General has the satisfaction of an- 
nouncing the approbation of the President of the 
United Slates, to the conduct of the troops under 
his command, expressed in flattering terms, thro«igh 
the honourable the Secretary of W<ar. In parting 
"With these brave men, whose de&linies have been so 
long united with his own, and in whose labours and 
glories it is his happiness and his boast to have par- 
ticipated, the commanding general can neither sup- 
press his feelings, nor give utterance to them as he 
ought. In what terms can he bestow suitable praise 
on merit so extraordinary — so unparalleled? Let 
him, in one burst of joy, gratitude, and exultation, 
exclaim — these are the saviours of their country— 



ANDREW JACKSON. ^ 2Q7 

these the patriot soldi^^rs who triumphed over the 
invincibles of Wellington, and conquered the con- 
qner»>rs of Europe ! 

With what patience did you submit to priva- 
tions —with IV hat fortitude did you endure fatigue'— 
what valour did you display in the day of batilej 
Y')u have secured to America a proud name among 
the nations of the earth—a glory which will never 
perish. Possessing those dispositions, which eq'ialiy 
adorn the citizen and the solditr, the expect^itions 
of your country will be met in peace, as her wishes 
have been gratified in war. Go then, my brave 
companions, to your homes; to those tender con- 
nections, and Wissful scenes, which render life so 
dear — ^full of honour, and crowned with laurels 
which will never fade. When participating, in the 
bosoms of your families, tl^e enjoyment of peaceful 
life, with what happiness will you not look back to 
the toils you have borne — to the dangers you have 
encoiustered ? How will all your past exposures be 
converted into sources of inexpressible delight? 
Wlio, that never experienced your suiTerings, will 
be able to appreciate your joys ? The man who 
slumbered ingloriousiy at home, during your pain- 
ful marches, your nights of watchfulness, an«l your 
days of toil, will envy you the happiness which 
these recollections will aiford— .still more will he 
envy the gratitude of that country, which you have 
m eminently contributed to save. Continue, fellow- 



2GS KEMOIRS OF 

soldiers, on your passage to your several destiim- 
tions, to preserve that subordination, that dignified 
and manly deportment, which have so ennobled 
your character.^ 

While the commanding general is thus giving 
indulgence to his feelings, towards those brave com- 
panions, who accompanied him through difficulties 
and danger, he cannot permit the names of Blount, 
and Shelby, and Holmes, to pass unnoticed. With 
what generous ardour and patriotism, have these 
distinguished governors contributed ail their exer- 
tions; and the success which has resulted, will be 
to them a reward more grateful than any which 
the pomp of title, or the splendour of wealth, can 
bestow. 

What happiness it is to the commanding general, 
that while danger was before him, he was, on no 
occasion, compelled to use towards his companions 
in arms, 3 ither severity or rebuke. If, after the 
enemy had retired, improper passions began their 
empire in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendered a 
resort to energetic measures necessary for their sup- 
pression, he has not confounded the innocent with 
the guilty — the seduced with the seducers. To- 
wards you, fellow-soldiers, the most cheering recol- 
lections exist, blended, alas! with regret, that dis- 
ease and war should have ravished from us so many 
worthy companions. But the memory of the cause 
in which they perished, and of the virtues which 



ANDREW JACKSON, ^69 

animated them, while livins;, must occupy the place 
where sorrow would claim to dwell. 

Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your 
General's thanks is feeble, but the gratitude of a 
country of freemen is yours — yours the applause of 

an admiring world.'* 

In this address to the troops, the solicitude of 
Gen. Jackson for the reputation of the army, is 
chdrly evinced. Aware that the exultation they 
felt from the victories they had obtained, and the 
animation that aroused them to enthusiasm, at the 
«* wreath of laurel" bestowed upon them by their 
countrymen, might occasion aberrations from the 
regijlar walk of sober citizens, he exhorted them not 
to tarnish in peace, the glory they had acquired in 
war. The troops thus dismissed by their com- 
mander, had to march from 5 to 800 miles, before 
they reached their homes. The citizens, inhabiting 
the country through which they passed, so far from 
treating them with distant coldness, and extorting 
from them the pittance they had obtained for de- 
fending the Republic, (conduct not unknown to 
some parts of America,) received them with un- 
bounded hospitality, and congratulated them as 
the gallant defenders of American Independence. 



Y 2 



2(0 MEMOIRS OF 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Recapitulation of facts relative to the proclamation of Martial Law, 
writ of habeas corpus^ LouailUer, and Judge Hall — Arrest of Gen. 
Jackson — his defence, conviction, and fine — Trial by jury — Popular 
feeling — Moderation of Gen. Jackson — he advises to a sacred re- 
gard for civil power. 

It will be recollected by the reader, that upon 
the 16th December, Gen. Jackson proclaimed mar- 
tial law in Nevv-Orleans, and in the environs of it. 
The reasons of that measure, have already been 
briefly given, and the imperious necessity of adopt- 
ing it demonstrated. Next to the efficient meas- 
ures of defence below the city, the peoj)le are in- 
debted to the temporary execution of this system 
of government, for their salvation from the horrors 
of British invasion. 

That the military power must be secondary to 
the civil, is an axiom in our Republic generally as- 
sented to. That they are both, on great emergen- 
cies, to support the honour, dignity, and independ- 
ence of the States, is a sentiment no less generally 
prevalent. It is a principle, that may be said to 
be coeval with the formation of civil government, 
that laws are silent in the midst of arms, or as the 
Romans had it, ^^ leges silent inter arma^ These 
principles are each to have an influence upon the 



ANDREW JACKSON". 271 

mind, in forming an opinion of the propriety of 
Gen. Jackson's conduct, in regard to the suppression 
of the civil authority at New. Orleans, and the le- 
gislature of Louisiana, at that time in session there, 
Nothing but the agitation produced at the ap- 
proach of imminent danger upon fearful minds, can 
furnish the least palliation for the extraordinary 
course pursued by the city police of New-Orleans, 
and the legislature of Louisiana, during the most 
portentous period of their history, i. e. from the 
16th December, 1814, to the middle of Feb. 1815. 
These confident assertions would not be made, were 
they not susceptible of the clearest proof. The 
existence of that state of things which led to the 
declaration of martial law, by Gen. Jackson, has 
been partly unfolded, by presenting the reader, in 
a preceding chapter, with what was deemed appro- 
priate extracts, from the correspondence of Gov. 
Claiborrje with him. This evidence must be com- 
pletely satisfactory, as it was derived from a dis- 
tinguished civil othcer, who must, with distressing 
reluctance, have detailed to the world, the melan- 
choly confession of facts so derogatory to the dig- 
nity and to the patriotism of the legislature, over 
whom he presided, and of the city, where they 
were in session. It will never, however, be forgot- 
ten, that the police of New Orleans, at this perilous 
period, was not in accordance with the wishes of a 
great proportion of its patriotic citizens ; nor did 



373 MEMOIRS OF 

the timorous, and vascillating policy of the legisla- 
ture, coincide with the ardent desires of a great 
number of its menihers. A number of them follow- 
ed the governor from the house of legislation, to 
the camp of Gen. Jackson, and shewed that they 
felt more solicitous to preserve their state from the 
contaminating footsteps of a bar!)arous enemy, than 
to remain in conclave, debating upon questions of 
punctilious etiquette, between the civil and milita- 
ry powers. 

It has already been stated, that a majority of the 
senate and house of representatives, in the state le- 
gislature of Louisiana, were opposed to the requisi- 
tions which Gov. Claiborne had made upon the 
Louisiana militia. The patriotism of the miiitia, 
however, was not to be damped by a legislative 
veto^ and they followed their patriotic governor to 
the field ; and while they were repelling the tre- 
mendous assault of the enemy, upon the 28th Dec. 
with their brave countrymen from Tennessee, Ken- 
tucky, and Mississippi, the legislature were actually 
engaged in debating the question, whether they 
should not surrender the capital and state, to the 
British army — and make the best terms they could 
with Sir Edward Pakenham ! ! Gen. Jackson order- 
ed Gov. Claiborne, to repair to the city with a re- 
quisite number of troops, to preserve it from the 
danger of their own legislature, while he would 
defend it from tiie enemy hanging upon its borders. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 273 

This order was promptly execiiled, and the legisla- 
ture, by their own governor, was prevented from 
sacrificing the city as a victim to their own fears. 

To see a state legisiature gravely taking measures 
to negociate with the enemy of the whole Republic, 
evinced almost a complete deterioration of intellect. 
The commander of the forces, so fdr as his power 
extends, is the representative of the national pow- 
er— Ae only must be the judge of what will conduce 
to the safety of the country ; he commands; and he 
©nly is accountable for the measures that may be 
adopted. If New-Orleans had been sacrificed by 
the commander, in a manner as dastardly as was 
Detroit, the same disgrace would now have been 
attached to the name of Jackson, as there is to 
that of Hull; but by defending it against the 
power of the enemy, the intrigues of some of its 
citizens, and the feverish agitation of the legislature, 
he has placed himself beyond the reach of rivalship, 
upon the roils of fame. 

Without pursuing this subject farther, the reader 
is now called to leave the legislature of Louisiana, 
in 1814 — 15^ where facts have left it, and follow 
Gen. Jackson from the solemn scene of thanksgiving 
to heaven, and the acclamations of a preserved 
people for victories obtained, to answer for his »«/*- 
tary conduct before a judicial tribunal. To a be- 
liever in the doctrine of decrees, it would seem to 
have been fore-ordaincd, that Andrew Jackson 



274i MEMOIRS OF 

shouU! be the instrument of procurino; the greatest 
temporal Messings lor his country ; and that the 
ingrntitinie of republics should have made him, in 
some rtspects, a siu;ndi instance, to show thai they 
arc slili uns;rciteful. 

Gen. Jdckson fonnii himself under the imperious 
necessity of continuing the execution of martial law, 
until the enemy haci totally abandoned his hostile 
views ac^ainst New-Orleans and Mobile; or until 
the rumcuirs of peace were confirnied by c/fficial 
communications from the War Department. Upon 
the first circulation of these rumours, the troops 
evinced the utmost impatience, and a spirit of in- 
subordination pervaded the army before i\ew-Or- 
leans. From his knowledge of the innumerable 
stratagems of the enemy, to ^ain by the policy of 
war, what they had despaired of acquiring by the 
force of arms, Gen. Jackson vv&s appreiiensive that 
they had devised this report, to lull the soldiers and 
citizens into a fatal security, and to take the first 
favourable opportunity that ofi'ered, to invade the 
country, and subject it to British dominion. 

A member of the legislature, by the name of 
XoMm7//Vr, had published in a New. Orleans gazette, 
an article calculated to excite rebellion in the Amer- 
ican army, and to encourage the enemy to renew 
their attack. Gen. Jackson immediately ordered 
him to be arrested and confined. Mr. Dominic A* 
flail, judge of the district, immedldtely issued a 



ANDREW JACKSON. 2T5 

writ of habeas corpus, directed to Gen. Jackson, 
comniandine^ him to show reasons for the detention 
of this legislator. The general, knowing that his 
appearance before his troops, in a time of danger, 
^vas of more consiquence to hiscoimtry, than his 
appearance before a judge, who was endeavouring, 
by the exercise of judicial power, to protect a do- 
mestic enemy, immediately ordered Judge Hail to 
be arref=ted and sent out of the city. The trial was 
postponed until the country was secured. 

In a very few days after this coujmencement of 
war between the military power of the American 
Republic, and the judicial authority at New Orleans, 
peace was officially announced to Gen. Jackson, 
from the War Department, *' between his Britannic 
Majesty and the United States^ and between their re- 
spective countries, territories^ cities, towns, and peo- 
ple, of every degree, without exception of places or 
persons." The joy that filled every heart at the 
return of peace, was ndni;Ied with gratitude to 
Gen. Jackson, his long tried, brave, and patriotic 
officers, and gallant soldiers, for their protection in 
time of war. But amidst this exhiiirating scene, 
the sullen murmurs of disappointed faction, were 
heard in discordant notes; and the very men who 
were indebted to Gen. Jackson and his army, for 
the preservation of their lives, fortunes and fami- 
lies, seemed to be actuated by the bitterest malice 
against him. 



^rC MEMOIRS OF 

It was upon the 11th March, that Judge Hail 
was removed from New-Orleans — upon the 13th, 
the ratification of the treaty of Ghent was officially 
announced there — upon the 19th, military opera- 
tions were brought to a close between the two ar- 
mies — and upon the 31st, Gen. Jackson was arrest- 
ed and brought before the saine Judge Hall^ to an- 
swer for his contempt of the court, for not answer- 
ing insfantery to the habeas corpus, and for impris- 
oning the Judge who issued it ! ! From the nature 
of the subject, and the mode of proceeding, this 
may be pronounced by the legal profession, to be 
causa pritnce imprcssionis. 

Called thus suddenly from the encampment of an 
army, before a court of law, Gen. Jackson divested 
himself of the stern character of the soldier, and 
resumed the more gentle one of the advocate — not 
to defend a client, as he often had done, against 
groundless charges ; but to save himself from the 
vengeance of infuriated malice. The defence he 
made, has been before the public ever since he made 
it. It is a source of regret, that the insertion of it 
entire, cannot be made. It comprises not only the 
facts upon which it w as grounded, but a profound 
disquisition upon the civil and military power, in a 
time of imminent danger. The following selections 
from it will show the reasons, in addition to those 
already given, why he proclaimed and enforced 
martial law — imprisoned a legislative scribbler— 



ANDREW JACKS9N. 277 

negiecfed io regard a writ of habeas corpus^ and 
compelled the judge who issued it to leave Ihe city 
of New-Orleans. In this defence, the general says, 

" A disciplined and powerful army was on our 
coast, commanded by officers of fried valour, and 
consummate skill ; their fleet had already destroyed 
the fee ble defence, on which, alone, we could rely, 
to prevent their landing on our shores. 

Their point of attack was uncertain — a hundred 
inlets were to be guarded, by a force not sufficient 
in number for one; we had no lines of defence; 
treason lurked amongst us, and only waited the mo- 
ment of expected defeat, to show itself openly. 

Our men were few, and of those {t\w^ not all were 
armed ; our utter ruin, if we failed, at hand, and 
inevitable; everything depended on the prompt 
and energetic use of the means we possessed, in 
callinu; the whole force of the community into ac- 
tion ; a was a contest for the very existence of the 
state, and every nerve was to be strained in its de- 
fence. The physical force of every individual, his 
moral faculties, his property, and the energy of his 
example, were to be called into action, and instant 
action. No delay — no hesitation— no inquiry about 
rights, or all was lost ; and every thing dear to man, 
his property, life, the honour of his family, his 
country, its constitution and laws, were swept away 

by the avowed principles, the open practice of th<* 
Z 



tf^ MEBIOIRS OF 

enemy, with whom we had to contend. FortiGca^ 
tions were to be erected, supplies procured, arms 
souglit for, requisitions made, the emissaries of the 
enemy watched, lurking treason overawed, insub- 
ordination punished, and the contagion of cowardly 
example to be stopped. 

In this crisis, and under a firm persuasion that 
none of those ol^jects could be eiTected, by the 
exercise of the ordinary powers confided to him— 
under a solemn conviction that the country com- 
mitted to his care, could be saved by that measure 
only, from utter ruin — under a religious belief, that 
he was performing the most important and sacred 
duty, the respondent proclaimed martial law. 
He intended, by that measure, to supercede such 
civil powers, as in thtir operation interfered with 
those he was obliged to exercise. He thought, in 
such a moment, constitutional foni^s must be sus- 
penfled, for the permanent preservation of constitu» 
tional rights, and that there could be no question 
whether it were best to depart, for a moment, from 
the enjoyment of our dearest privileges, or have 
them wrested from us for ever. He knew, that if 
the civil magistrate were permitted to exercise his 
usual functions, none of the measures necessary to 
avert the awful fate that threatened us, could be 
expected. Personal liberty cannot exist, at a time 
when every man is required to become a soldier 



ANDKEW JACKSON. 2T0 

Private property cannot be secured, when its use is 
indispensable to the public safety. 

Unh'mited liberty of speech is incompatible with 
the discipline of a camp; and that of the press, 
more dangerous still, when made the vehicle of 
conveying intelligence to the enemy, or exciting 
mutiny among the troops. To have suffered the 
uncontrolled enjoyment of any of those rights, dur- 
ing the time of th€ late invasion, would have been 
to abandon the defence of the country. The civil 
magistrate is the guardian of those rights ; but no 
further.*' 

In perusing the preceding extract, the reader 
must feel a pride in reflecting, that Gen. Jackson, 
and many other officers in the army of the Republic, 
have acquired the science of Statesmen, as well as 
the fame of Soldiers. 

The General, in his masterly defence, minutely 
and forci^^ly assigns the reasons for the course he 
jjursued in regard to LouailUer, the writ of habeas 
corpus^ and Judge Hall ; and proceeds — 

" To have silently looked on such an offence, 
without making any attempt to punish it, would 
have been a formal surrender of all discipline, all 
order, all personal dignity, and public safety. This 
could not be done ; and the respondent immediatefy 



^80 1UE3JOIES Of 

ordered the arrest of the offender. A writ of habeas 
corpus was directed to issue for his enlargement. 
The very case which had been foreseen ; the very 
contingency on which martial law was intended to 
operate, had nokv occurred. The civil magistrate 
seemed to think it his duty, to enforce the enjoy- 
ment of civil rights, although the consequences 
which have been described, would probably have 
resulted. An unbending sense of what he seemed 
to think his station required, induced him to order 
the lil>eration of the prisoner. This, under the re- 
spondent's sense of duty, produced a conflict, which 
it was his wish to avoid. 

No other course remained, than to enforce the 
principles which he had laid down as his guide, and 
to suspend the exercise of the judicial power when« 
ever it interfered with the necessary means of de- 
fence. The only v.ay effectually to do this, was 
to place the judge in a situation, in which his inter- 
ference could not counteract the measures of de- 
fence, or give countenance to the mutinous dispo- 
sition that had shown itself in so alarming a degree. 
Merely to have disregarded the writ, would have 
increased the evil, and to have obeyed it was wholly 
repugnant to the respontient's ideas of the public 
safety, and to his own sense of duty. The judge 
was therefore confined, and removed beyond the 
lines of defence." 



AND.REW JACKSON. 281.. 

After denying the jurisdiction of the court, and 
claiming, as a. constitutional right, a trial by jury, 
he thus concludes a defence, which the jurist may 
read with advantage, and the patriot with adrai- 
ration. 

** This was the conduct of the respondent, and 
these the motives which prompted it. They have 
been fairly and openly exposed, to this tribunal, 
and to the world, and would not have been accom- 
panied by any exceptions or waver of jurisdiction, 
if it had been deemed expedient to give him that 
species of trial, to which he thinks himself entitled 
by the constitution of his country. 

The powers which the exigency of the times- 
forced him to assume, have been exercised exclu- 
sively for the public good ; and, by the blessing of 
God, they have been attended with unparalleled 
success. They have saved the country ; and what- 
ever may be the opinion of that country, or the de- 
crees of its courts, in relation to the means he has 
used, he can never regret that he employed them." 

The trial by jury, however much it may be. 
sneered at, by the possessors and advocates of un- 
defined power, has secured to Englishmen the few 
rights remaining to them. To Americans it is se- 
cured by our inimitable Constitution; but in th« 
instance before the reader, it was refused to Qm* 



383 HiEMOIRS 6/ 

Jackson, by callinc: in the aid of the common law 
of England, to ensure the conviction of the respon- 
dent for (onttmpt of court ! ! Dominic A. Hall was 
thejihige whose dignity was alleged to he alfecled 
by Contempt of court—Dominic A. Hall was the 
man who was said to have sustained an individual 
injury hy the operation of martial law — Dominic 
A. iiail was the judge who ivould have jurisdiction 
of the case — who deprived Gen. Jackson of a trial 
by jury, and who amerced him in a fine of a thou- 
sand dollars ! ! Half of this sum must have been 
expended in delays, costs of prosecution, and in the 
expenses of making defence, and the whole fifteen 
hundred dollars, was drawn out of the pocket of 
the man whose indefatigal)le exertions, consummate 
wisdom, and gallant courage, had secured to the 
jndge the privihge of convicting him. 

The records of Judge JelTery himself, scarcely 
furnished a parallel with this proceeding. An Eng- 
lish /wr,^ saved Penn and ^Iff^aiif?— afterwards the 
Dean of St, Asaph, and in the present reign, Tookc^ 
Hardtj and ihclwcit, from the grasp of a vindictive 
sninistry, and subservient judiciary ; and had Gen. 
Jackson been arraigned before an impartial and an 
independent jury of Americans, allowed toconsider 
his 7Z'/to/e' case, with what readiness would they have 
pronounced a verdict of " not guilty,'* and changed 
the indignant murmurs of the audience at his con 
tiction, into joyous acclamations at his acquittal-. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 28S 

Gen. Jackson immediately satisfied the judgment, 
and retired from the court to his carriage. Tlie 
throng that surrounded the hall oi jixsiicG, could not 
repress their feelings* The horses were unharnes- 
sed — the carriage elevated upon their shouhlers, 
and the Hero of New-Orleans was, in this manner^ 
borne through the streets to his lodgings, by its pro- 
tected and setured citizens. Flattering as was this 
demonstration of respect and admiration for /*/;«, 
the General was apprehensive that it was evincive 
of some disrespect for civil power, and addressed 
them, in the most pathetic manner. This address 
is before the writer; but its length forbids its in- 
sertion. He acknowledged the civility of the peo- 
ple, not with the studied formality of fashionable 
etiquette, but with the impassioned eloquence of 
the heart. He exhorted the people whom he lov- 
ed, and who almost adored him, not to suffer the 
ebullitions of passion, to make them forget the re- 
spect due to civil authority. They oiiered to pay 
the amount of the fine inflicted upon him, but he 
declined receiving it ; and retired to his lodgings 
with the unassumed dignity of conscious integrity. 

It is with pride, mingled with veneration, that 
the writer is enabled thus to furnish the reader 
with conclusive evidence, of the dignified modera- 
tion of a conqueror, who conquered, not to aggran- 
dize himself, but to render secure that independ- 
<ince acquired by his countrymen. Although bj 



MEMOIRS OF 

military power, he had saved an important section 
of the Republic, and secured the enjoyment of civil 
power, he \yas conscious that the first was, and 
must be, in a free government, inferior to the last ;,. 
and if, by a civil or judicial functionary, he had 
sustained what his countrymen deemed an injury, 
he was conscious that it was far preferable to suffer 
himself, and to have errors of judgment overlooked, 
than to have the civil institutions of his country disr 
regarded.^ 



ANDREW JACKSON. 285 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Gen. Jackson retires from New-Orleans — arrives at Nashville, his 
place of residence — Reflection — He receives a message to repair 
to the seat of government, to assist in arranging the Peace Estab- 
lishment of the U. S. army — Difficulty of that duty — Votes of thanks, 
&c to Gen Jackson — He repairs to the seat of government— Ci- 
vilities received upon his passage, and on his arrival — Returns to 
bis head-quarters at Nashville, and in 1816, repairs to New-Or- 
leans, and arranges the army. 

Gen. Jackson, having; preserved the military 
district assigned to his command, from invasion— • 
having defended it against a force which the ene- 
my supposed irresistible, and his coimtrymen alarm- 
ingly formidable — having restored his gallant army 
to the fire-sides rendered safe by their valour — hav- 
ing submitted to the adjudication of a civil tribu- 
nal, and complied with its decision, he had an op- 
portunity to enjoy that repose to which he had long 
been a stranger, and which was now rendered se- 
cure from the disturbance of savage and civilized 
foes. He beheld an immense portion of the Repub- 
lic, which was recently in danger of subjugation, 
by a power whose ambition is as boun Hess as its 
cupidity, enjoying in security, the blessings of the 
American Constitution. 

It is utterly impossible to describe by language. 



^86 MEMOIRS OF 

the emotions of the heart upon this occasion—de- 
scription lags far behind reality, and its power is 
impotency itself. Surrounded by a recently alarm- 
ed, and now a secured people, whose hearts were 
swollen with gratitude, ajid whose eyes were swira- 
ining in tears of joy, he stood amidst the citizens of 
New-Orleans like a father in the midst of a family, 
who owed their temporal felicity to his assiduous 
labours. The females of the city, who owed their 
lives, and, what was dearer, their honour, to his 
courage, in impressive silence, evinced their gratf- 
tude to their " Patron and Friend," 

** A glance sends volumes to the heart, 
While loords impassion'd die." 

Gen. Jackson had a family 800 miles distant, from 
which he had long been separated, and to which he 
was impelled, by the most ali'ectionate attachment^ 
to return. He left New-Orleans with the blessini^s 
of its citizens for his wisdom and courage in defend- 
ing them, and with their prayers for his happiness. 
In the long distance of country through which he 
passed to his residence at Nashvilie, he was every 
where received by the people with the most enthu- 
siastic demonstrations of respect, and greeted as the 
great instrument in the hands of heaven, of preser- 
ving their country from British outrage, and British 
dominion. It was the only reward they could be- 
stow, and the most grateful one he could receive. 
In every heart a monument was erected to his glorv 



AND:REW JACKSON. S87 

t.pon the foundation of gratitude, which will never 
be shaken ; l)ut which will be transmitted from the 
bosom of the sire to the son, through all the distant 
ages of posterity. 

He arriveil at Nashville upon the 15th May, 
1815. Twenty-seven years before, he arrived here 
at the age of twenty four years, an insulated being, 
relying solely upon his own exertions and the smiles 
of heaven, for his estal)lishnient in life. He rapidly 
advanced in fame, as the country with rapidity ad- 
vanced to civilization — he literally *' grew with the 
growth, and strengthened vvith the strength" of the 
people of Tennessee. He had gone hand in hand 
with his fellow-citizens, in protecting the territonj 
and the state^ from the barbarous carnage of sava- 
ges, and securing the rude cottage of the early set- 
tler from confl>m:ration, and his family from massa- 
cre. He had seen an expanded wilderness, where 
the majestic silence of nature was broken only by 
the howling of beasts, the yells of savages, and the 
tumbling of waters, converted into a region of civi- 
lization, where the arts, so conducive to the happi- 
ness of man, and the sriences, which enlarges his 
views, were practised and taught. He had seen, in 
the space of a quarter of a century, a new people 
arise in a new country, to an elevation equal to that 
of many portions of the globe, which have enjoyed 
the meftimable blessings of civilization for many 
centuries. He had seen a constitution established 



2SS MEMOIRS OF 

to secure the rie^hts of the people — courts instituted 
to administer justice, and three universities founded 
to diffuse the lights of science. He had sustained 
many important offices in the state, and had repre- 
sented it in both branches of the national govern- 
ment, and had laboured to render the civil, reli- 
gioiis, and political rights of the people secure. To 
protect these enjoyments, he had, at the call of his 
fellow citizens, led them into the heart of a country 
of savaqes, and conquered them into peace. He 
also had led *hem into the face of the most formi- 
dable and best disciplined army, that ever assailed 
the American Republic, and com})elled those of 
them who were not left to moulder in the soil they 
invaded, to flee from destruction. At Nashville 
he fotmd himself surrounded by his grateful fellow- 
citizens, in the enjoyment of peace and happiness; 
and by his accomplished officers and gallant sol- 
diers, who had, by their courage, rendered them se- 
cure. Terrestrial regions could not afford a scene 
more impressively interesting. In General Jackson 
the people recosrnized a Statesman, whose labori- 
ous and scientific exertions had conduced greatly 
to the security of their political rights; and a Sol- 
dier, whose valour had defended them from viola- 
tion. In the people who now surrounded him, the 
General recognized virtuous and industrious citi- 
zens, and faithful and gallant soldiers. 

Gen. Jackson had received a message, some time 



ANDREW JACKSON, 289 

previous to his arrival at Nashville, to repair to the 
seat of government, to render that assistance which 
his knowledge and experience enabled him to afford, 
in organizing a peace establishment in the army of 
the Republic. Indispensable duties, in the district 
under his command, rendered a compliance impos- 
sible. 

The task which devolved upon the War, and the 
other Departments of the government, in disband- 
ing an army, which, in the last campaign of the 
war, had every where covered itself with glory, was 
important and delicate in the extreme. To the 
private soldier^ whose toils had been severe, wliose 
privations had been hard, and w hose reward at the 
conclusion of the war was ample, to be restored to 
private life, was a gratification. But to officers, 
from the highest to the lowest grade, who entered 
the service more for the acquisition of fame than 
fortune — who had left promising prospects in pri- 
vate life, to defend their endangered country— for 
such men \o be dismissed from the service, with 
which they had become familiar, and be compelled 
to return again to the dull pursuits of civil life, 
which has but a few charms for the soldier, was a 
difficwlt, although a npcess?iry duty. 

The American Republic is nrd a military govern- 
ment — and an overgrown standing army, in a time 
of peace, cannot be maintained. 

From the immense extent of the country— from 
Aa 



2%0 MEMOIRS OF 

the number of its forts on the sea-board, and fron- 
tier, a small standing force is nect^ssary, and a small 
one only, in a time of peace, will be endured by 
the people. Conversant with the history of ancient 
and modern military governments, the American 
people are jealous of military power. A necessary 
military force will always be supported — a super- 
numerary army, will always be considered and op. 
posed as dangerous. At the conclusion of the sec- 
ond war between the American Republic and the 
kingdom of Great-Britain, the government decided 
that te?i thousand troops, properly proportioned, as 
to officers and soldiers, should constitute the peace 
establishment — probably the smallest standing army, 
considering the extent, population, and importance 
of the country, in any nation in the world. Many 
officers, who would have adorned any array, must 
have been dismissed by the reduction of the Ameri- 
can army, from the war to the peace establishment. 
The whole of the Republic was divided into 
two divisions, or departments — the South, and the 
North. Maj. Gen. Jackson was appointed com- 
mander in chief of the Division of the South. His 
appointment to this important command, met with 
the approbation of the country. His ability to 
command, had been proved by obtaining a series of 
victories, over the most warlike tribe of savages, and 
the best disciplined armies in the world, under the 
most disadvantageous circumstances. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 291 

General Jackson established his head-quarters at 
Nashville, where he was constantly receiving the 
most unequivocal evidence of the gratitude of his 
countrymen. Minute details are incompatible with 
the limits of this work : otherwise the reader might 
be furnished with the proceedings of various legis- 
latures, in passing votes of thanks, expressed in the 
strongest terms of approbation. A vote of thanks, 
although unaccompanied with any pecuniary fa- 
vour, is, to a disinterested patriot, the highest re- 
ward he can receive. The legislature of Tennessee, 
were amongst the first to manifest their respect for 
the character and achievements of General Jackson. 
They passed a vote of thanks, and presented him 
"with a gold medal. They could not forget his gal- 
lant associatesj Gens. Coffee and Carroll, to whom 
they presented elegant swords. 

A British parliament, when it bestows the title of 
a duke, also drains the treasury, to purchase a dukC' 
dom for the ennobled subject, and compels the hum- 
ble subjects to refund it, by imposing exorbitant 
taxes. The American government, although ^*m5^ to 
its distinguished citizens and soldiers, cannot be gen- 
erous at the expence of the whole of them. General 
WASHiNGTOiNT, in i\\Q first war between the Republic 
and Britain, thought nothing of pecuniary reward, 
nor did Gen. Jackson in the second; but the one 
could not have been, and the other cannot be, iudif- 



292 5iem6irs or 

ferent to the grateful applause of independent and 
protected Americans. 

All hough Gen, Jackson, in early life felt little 
solicitude for the accumulation or preservation of 
ivealth, he nevertheless, after he commenced busi- 
ness at Nashville, acquired by industry, and saved 
by frugality, a fine real estate, delightfully situated 
upon the !)ank of the Cumberland river. To this 
he might have retired, had he left the service, and 
have enjoyed an elegant independence. He might 
have surveyed his tenements and fertile fields, and 
have exclaimed, with exquisite delight, " these were 
acquired by my labour — these were defended by 
niy valour, and here I can enjoy domestic felicity 
in safety." But although the Rejiublic was at peace 
with all the world, it could not dispense with the 
military services of this great Commander. He 
was retained in the service, not like a pensioned 
duke, w ith a numerous pensioned retinue, to excite 
the unmeaning admiration of a degraded peasantry, 
but to perfect a military system for his country. 
The division assigned to his command, is larger 
than half of Europe, and requires the most consum- 
mate skill in the commander, to place it in a situa- 
tion to repel future invasions. 

Late in the autumn of 1815, Gen. Jackson re- 
paired, for the first time since the declaration of 
war, to the seat of government. Upon his passage 
thither, he received that marked attention, which 



ANDKEW JACKSON. 293 

a grateful and an admiring people bestow, upon a 
distinguished benefactor. Although in time of war 
he avoided all parade and ceremonies inconsistent 
with the imperious demands of duty, yet he could 
not, at this period, avoid a compliance with the 
wishes of his countrymen, to mingle with their gal- 
lant defenders, nor could he avoid a reciprocation 
of their civility and hospitality. 

At Lynchburg, in Virginia, a public dinner was 
given him, at which the philosopher of Monticello, 
Thomas Jefferson, was present. The veneration 
that was excited by the presence of the American 
Statesman, could hardly restrain the enthusiasm 
produced by the presence of the American Hero. 
Although far removed from the deeply interesting 
scenes of Gen. Jackson's military operations, the 
people of this place and its vicinity, duly apprecia- 
ted his exalted merit. Toasts have been said to 
discover the undisguised sentiments of the people; 
and it is presumed the toast given upon this occa- 
sion, in reference to Gen. Jackson, by Mr. Jefferson, 
will be cordially assented to, by every American ; 

" Honour and gratitude to the man who has fil- 
i.ED the measure of his country's honour." 

Upon this oecasion, the General, knowing that 
the country he had defended was acquired by ne- 
gociatioih by the same man who had so essentially 
aided him in protecting it, gave for a toast— 
*♦ James MoiiHOE.'' 
Ilk ^ ^ 



294 



.MEMOIRS OP 



Upon his arrival at Washington, he was received 
with that dignified affability, and cordial affection, 
for which the President and the heads of the seve- 
ral departments are distinguished. No ostentatious 
parade, better calculated to repress than to elicit, 
(he feelings of the heart, was displayed upon the 
occasion. The civil fathers of the Republic saw 
before them a soldier, who had supported in the 
field the measures they had devised in the cabinet. 
Kespecting and respected, they mutually congratu- 
lated each other, upon the successful termination of 
their arduous laf)ours. In surveying the city, the 
ciFects of Vandal warfare, were visible in the barba- 
rous ravages of a British array. He saw the ruins 
of the Capitol and the President's house, and knew 
that it was in open violation of the principleis of 
civilized warfare that it was produced. He must 
have rejoiced that a Pakenham was prevented from 
leaving such tracks of desolation in New-Orleans, as 
a Ross had in Washington. 

At all the public parties which the General at- 
tended at Washington, at Georgetown, and at other 
places in the vicinity, he shewed, that although in 
time of war, a soldier must be as a lion to his ene- 
mies, he could, in time of peace, be a lamb to his 
friends — that he could " smooth the wrinkled front*^ 
of the soldier, and enjoy the "lulling tunt of the 
lute." At the table, he cnuld enjoy the luxuries it 
afforded, with the elegance of the gentleman— at a 



ANDREW JACKSON. ^95 

levee, or a drawing-room, could reciprocate the ci- 
vilities he received, and in the ballroom, could, if 
he chose, display the refined accomplishments of 
the courtier. Mrs. Jackson accompanied her hus- 
band to Washington ; and every where received 
that distinguished respect, which her own merit, as 
well as admiration for the General, induced every 
one to bestow. 

But amidst the fascinating blandishments of re- 
fined society, and the alluring charms of elegant 
amusements, he never forgat his duty to his coun- 
trymen. More than one half of one of the largest 
nations in the world, in point of territory, had been 
assigned to his command. Although the olive-branch 
of peace waved over his country, where the clarion 
of war had, for a long time, assailed the ears of his 
countrymen, he never remitted his exertions to se- 
cure, in time of peace, by efficient regulations and 
necessary establishments, the rights and blessings 
that had been defended by the sword. 

It is inconsistent with the design of these me- 
moirs, to give a minute detail of all the interesting 
scenes through which Gen. Jackson passed, in his 
extensive private intercourse with the most exalted, 
as well as the middling classes of society, A Bos- 
well might swell the life of a Johnson to three octa^ 
ros, by telling the world how the "giant of litera- 
ture" dressed upon particular days — upon what 
days he drank wine with his friends— cream with 



296 MEMOIRS OF 

his coffee^ and enriched his bunns with butter. Gen, 
Jackson's life is interspersed with incidents more in- 
teresting to his countrymen, than such events ; and 
it is presumed they will be more interested in the 
detail of them. 

In the spring of 1816, Gen. Jackson repaired to 
the great scene of his military operations, New- 
Orleans. It is utterly impossible to give the reader 
any conception ot the rapture of the people, in again 
seeing in the bosom of the city, the man who had 
saved it from carnage and destruction — its sons from 
murder, and its daughters from wanton violation. 
After the scenes of cordial congratulation were 
passed, he immediately reviewed the troops — ex- 
amined minutely into the police of the camp, and 
finding the troops unhealthy, resolved to have them 
removed to the Alabama Territory, which was soon 
after eii'ected. 

Although the health and comfort of troops, is a 
primary oi)ject wilh a commander, yet in addition 
to this consideration. Gen. Jackson considered, from 
former experience, that the most endangered part 
of the ** Division of the South,'* was that which 
bordered upon the Spanish provinces of Florida, in 
which the Alabama and Seminole Indians were 
embosomed. He was aware that the stationing of 
American troops upon their borders, would tend to 
restrain their barbarity ; and that they could more 
promptly he punished when committed. Subse- 
quent events, shewed the vvigdom of this measure* 



ikNDKEW JACKSON* 2^7 



CHAPTER XX. 

Gen. Jackson aegociates a treaty for the extinguishment of lodian 
titles to land — Issues an order relative to this subject — Receives a 
silver vase from the Ladies of South-Carolina, &c — Returns to 
Nashville— Issues an important general order — Prepares to defend 
his Division--CornmeQcement of Seminole War— Gen Gaioes at- 
tacks the Seminoles — Gen Jackson addresses the *' Tennessee 
Volunteers" — repairs to Georgia — and enters with bis army into 
Florida — Justification of that measure — He captures St. Marks. 

Gen. Jackson, having discharged the important 
duty of regulating and stationing the army, in the 
southern section of the Division of the South, he 
entered into negociation with the Chickasaw, Choc- 
taw^ -Cherokee, and Creek Indian??. The ohject of 
the negociation, was to obtain from them, the abso- 
lute relinquishment of all the claim they pretended 
to have to lands, within the limits of the United 
States, and which had previously been ceded by 
them. This measure evinced, in a signal manner, 
the moderation of the American government to- 
ward the natives Although the territory had be- 
fore been ol>tained, first by conquest, after a san- 
guinary war, occasioned by the savages themselves, 
and afterwards by treaty with them, by which they 
acknowledged their gratitude to the government for 
permitting them to retain an^ territory, yet, to 



2QB MEMOIRS Of 

pacify them completely, for the diminntion of their 
limits, and to extinguish their title, Gen. Jackson 
engaged, in hehalf of his government, to pay the 
Creeks ^10,000 a year, for ten years, and the Cher- 
okees g 10,000 a year, for eiijht years. 

Having accomplished this important measure, 
Gen. Jackson repaired to Huntsville, in the state of 
Mississippi, and upon the 8th of October, published 
an order which was sanctioned by the government, 
by which all citizens of the United States, were 
enjoined to abstain from all encroachments upon 
Indian lands, and ordered such as had, to be re- 
moved in a limited number of days. Although this 
might operate hard upon individuals who had acted 
under misapprehension, yet it was doing that justice 
and equity to savages, which the American govern- 
ment has always extended to them ; and it rendered 
fitill more secure the frontiers of Mississippi, Ten- 
nessee and Georgia. 

During this season, Gen. Jackson received a 
manifestation of respect from the ** Ladies of South- 
Carolina," his native state, which must have been 
peculfarly grateful to his feelings. They presented 
him, through Col. Haynes and Maj. Gadsden, with 
a splendid silver vase, elevated upon a pedestaL 
The figures attached to it are emblematical of the 
country's glory, and of the glory of " the man or 
KEw-ORLEANS.'* Upon oue side of it, a striking 
represenlution of tiie great battle, and an inscrip- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 299 

tion, " EIGHTH JANUARY, 1815'^ — upoii the other, 

" PRESENTED BY THE LADIES OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 
TO MAJOR GEXERAL ANDREW JACKSON." The gift 

was worthy of the receiver — worthy of the givers- 
worthy of the descendants of the patriotic matrons 
of South-Carolina, who, in the gloomy period of 
the revolution, added lustre to their characters, by 
exercising a benevolence as boundless as the wants 
of their assailed countrymen. The toils, the grief, 
and the death, of the venerable mother of Andrew 
Jackson, cannot be forgotten.^* 

At about the same time, the general received an- 
other present, although less splendid, equally appro- 
priate« A boot manufacturer of Pittsburgh, pre- 
sented him with an elegant and superb pair of tiiili^ 
tary boots. He received them with ereat affability, 
and reciprocated the civility with hip usual cordial- 
ity. The presentation of a pair of woollen stockings^ 
to the Emperor Alexander, when at London, suita- 
ble for the frigid climate in which he reigns, was 
received with all the condescension which the head 
of the allied sovereigns could bestow upon a pea- 
sant. 

In October, 1816, Gen. Jackson returned to his 
head quarters at Nashville, Tenn. It has long 
been his happiness, when returning to the place of 
his residence, from the discharge of civil and mili- 
tary duties abroad, to have, in his absence, raised 

• Vide Chap. I. page 29. 



300 MEMOIRS OF 

an additional claim to the gratitude and admiration 
of his fellow-citizens. The treaty he had recently 
made with the Indians, was most peculiarly advan- 
tageous to the people of Tennessee, as it diminished, 
and almost allayed the apprehensions of the people, 
from all future fears of Indian warfare. 

Having become perfectly familiarized with the 
necessary regulation and police of an army, his at- 
tention was almost exclusively devoted to the in- 
troduction of them into the American army. In 
the spring of 1817, he issued the following general 
order, which has been the subject of severe ani- 
madversion, from some distinguished officers in the 
army, and of approbation from others. 

DIVISION ORDER. 

Jdjutant-General^s Office, H.^, Division of 
the South — Nashville, April 22, 1817. 

The commanding general considers it due to the 
principles of subordination, which ought and must 
exist in an army, to prohibit the obedience of any 
order emanating from the Department of War, to 
officers of this division, who have reported and 
been aspigrned to duty, unless coming through him, 
as the proper organ of communication. The object 
of this order, is to prevent the recurrence of a cir- 
cumstance, which removed an important officer 
from the division without the knowledge of the 
Commanding general, and indeed, when he supposec? 



ANDREW JACKfJdN, 301 

that officer engaged in his official duties, and antici- 
pated hourly the receipt of his ofiicial reports, on 
a subject of great importance to his command ; al- 
so to prevent the topographical reports from being 
made public through the medium of the newspa- 
pers, as was done in the case alluded to, thereby en- 
abling the enemy to obtain the benefit of all our 
topogra[)hical researches, as soon as the general com- 
manding, who is responsible for the division. Su- 
perior officers, having commands assigned them, are 
held responsible to the government, for the charac- 
ter and conduct of that command ; and it might 
as well be justified in an officer, senior in command, 
to give orders to a guard on duty, without passing 
that order through the officer of that guard, as that 
the Department of War should countermand the 
arrangements of commanding generals, without giv- 
ing their order through the proper channel. To 
acquiesce in such a course, would be a tame surren- 
der of military rights and etiquette ; and at once 
subvert the established principles of subordination 
and good order. Obedience to the lawful com- 
mands of superior officers, is constitutionally and 
morally required : but there is a chain of commu- 
nication that binds the military compact, which, if 
broken, opens the door to diso!)edience and disre- 
spect, and gives loose to the turbulent spirits, who 
are ever ready to excite mutiny. All physicians, 

able to perform duty, who are absent on furlough, 
Bb 



302 MEMOIRS Of' 

will forthwith repair to their respective posts. 
Commanding officers of regiments and corps, are 
ordered to report specially ^ all officers absent from 
duty on the 30th of June next, and their cause of 
absence. The army is too small to tolerate idlers, 
and they will be dismissed the service. 

By order of Mnj. Gen. Jackson, 

(Signed) ROBERT BUTLER, 

Adjutant GeneraL 

Until the commencement of the last war, the 
American Republic could hardly be said to have 
had a practical military system. From the conclu- 
sion of the war of the revolution, to that period, it 
had, indeed, a small military force! but they were 
scattered, in small sections, through an immense 
country, and but little of a systematic organization, 
or of regular subordination, was to be discerned. 
The collisions that unhappily subsisted in the armyj 
and between the army and the War Department, 
in the campaigns of 1812, and 1813, evince the jus- 
tice of the remark. It required the energy of a 
Monroe, in the last, and of a Jackson, Brown, 
Macomb, Gaines, Scott, Ripley, Sec. in the first, 
to give efficiency and system to the physical power 
of the country, when called into action. The pre- 
ceding general order of the Commander in Chief of 
the Division of the South, is inserted, not for the 
purpose of discussing its merits. It would be arro- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 303 

gance in the writer to attempt if. That subject 
more properly belongs to the accomplished officers 
of the army, than to the unassuming biographer. 

Gen. Jackson, with that vigilance which always 
characterizes a great commander, extended his 
views through the whole of his immensely extensive 
division; but he was fully auare from whence the 
greatest, or rather the most immediate danger was 
to be apprehended. He was well acquainted with 
Spanish perfidy, and had once carried the Ameri- 
can arms to the capital of their North American 
possessions, and terror into the heart of an effemi- 
nate, though vindictive minister of the imbecile, 
though tyrannical Ferdinand VII. The sparing 
mercy of the American government, was extended 
to him and to his nation, from the most solemn as- 
surances, that the treaty existing between the Amer* 
ican and Spanish governments, should be inviolably 
^ept, and faithfully executed. Without alluding 
to other articles, and other violations, it is sufiicient 
for the present purpose to state, that one article of 
this treaty provides, that the Spanish government 
shall wholly restrain the 'savages within the limits 
of their possessions in North America, from depre- 
dations of every kind upon the citizens of the 
United States. In the preceding parts of this work, 
the conduct of Manrequez, the then Spanish gov- 
ernor, has been unfolded. Conduct equally flagrant 
in outrage, was pursued by the Spanish authorities, 



304 AiEMoms OP 

after the conclusion of peace between America and 
Great Britain, as was pursued during the last war. 
So far from restraining the hostile savages from 
committing depredations upon the territory, and 
murder upon the persons of American citizens, they 
were encouraged to the perpetration of these deeds, 
by the officers and emissaries of Spain. 

No thanks are due from Americans to the Span- 
ish authorities of Florida, for the peace which has 
subsisted for a considerable period, between the 
government and people of the American Republic, 
and the Choctaw^ Creeks Cherokee^ and Chickasan 
tribes of Indians: nor will these brave and infatu- 
ated sons of the forest, thank them for stimulating 
them to warfare, against a magnanimous nation, 
whose prowess, directed by the courage and wisdom 
of Gen. Jackson, has conquered them into a peace, 
advantageous to themselves — advantageous, because 
the sacred regard to justice, which is the leading 
characteristic of the American government, will 
inviolably regard it. These tribes, from the most 
correct information, could bring into the field, in 
1817, 10,000 warriors: but none of them, except 
the disaffected, who had, by the seduction of for- 
eign emissaries, joined the Seniinoles, raised the 
hatchet against Americans. 

The Seminole Indians are not a '* legitimate^* 
tribe of native Americans. They are an associatioa 
of desperadoes, who have been banished from other 



ANDREW JACKSON. S05 

tribes, and who have drawn into their confederacy 
many runaway negroes, whose African sullenness has 
been aroused to indiscriminate vengeance, by the 
more frantic fury of the American natives. It was 
from this desperate clan of outlaws from civil, and 
even from savage society, that the Spanish authori- 
ties expected to see the American settlements, upon 
the borders of Florida, devastated, and the settlers 
slain ! 

The British government, since the treaty of peace 
negociated at Ghent, had been more cautious in 
arming, disciplining, and driving savages into war 
with Americans, than it had previously been : but 
two of its subjects, by the names of Arhuthnot and 
Ambrister, had long been executing, under the 
specious pretext of carrying on merchandize^ the 
wishes of the enemies of the American Republic. 
To conceal their depravity, they may have furnish- 
ed the Seminole Indians with some few articles of 
clothing: but the principal articles of their traffic, 
were knives, hatchets^ musket Sy rifles, balls, and 
powder. 

From the year 1814 to ISIT, this ferocious clan 
of American savages and African negroes, commit- 
ted many depredations and wanton murders, in the 
American settlements. Gen. Edmund P, Gaines, 
the next in command to Gen. Jackson in the Divi- 
sion of the South, was stationed in the vicinity of 

these outrages. In a communication which would 
Bb2 



306 iMii idioms OF 

grace this, or any other voUime, but which is re- 
luctantly oDiitted, he portrayed the open violences 
of the savages, and the insidious wickedness of 
Spanish and British emissaries, in a manner not to 
he disregarded. He was stationed at Fort Scott ; 
and had with him but part of the Tth regiment of 
U. S. infantry. He however immediately put his 
forces in motion against them, although wholly in- 
competent, from deficiency in amount, to cope with 
the immense host of savages that surrounded him, 
and his little gallant force. He demanded a sur- 
render of the murderers of American citizens. No 
answer was given but savage defiance. No com- 
punctions were manifested for the. iimocent blood 
that stained them. Gen. Gaines, aware that patient 
gulferance of injuries from savages, for ever in- 
creases their ferocity, proccetied against them — 
crossed the Flint river — dispersed them — destroyed 
FowUo7V7iy and returned to Fort Scott. A numerous 
horde of desperate warriors, red and black, sur- 
rounded the fort, and entirely cut off the commu- 
nication of the American forces. Appearances in- 
dicated a repetition of the tragical scenes of Fort 
Mimms, in Mississippi. The signal vengeance in- 
flicted upon the Creeks, by Gen Jackson, and his 
invincible army, probably occasioned the Serai- 
noles to pause, before they " cast their lives vpon 
a die:' 

General Gaines had called upon the executive of 



ANDREW JACKSON. 307 

Georgia, whose state was more immediately endan- 
gered tiian any other, for immediate succour. The 
miserable system of temporary drafting, had been 
adopted ; and before the troops could be brought 
to act efficiently, their term of service expired, and 
the small regular force was the only reliance the 
frontier settlers had, as a protection from devasta- 
tion and massacre. A boat with 40 passengers was 
taken upon Flint river, and every soul on board 
slain. Universal consternation prevailed ; and Gen. 
Gaines once more called upon the Georgia forces, 
2000 of whom were detailed, and rendezvoused at 
Hartford, Geo. 

Gen. Jackson, as commander in chief, was again 
called upon, from a sense of duty, to take the field. 
Again were the *' Tennessee Volunteers," by 
their beloved and almost adored general, exhorted 
to resume the armour of war, in the following ad- 
dress : 

*' Volunteers of West Tennessee J — Once more, af- 
ter a repose of three years, you are summoned to 
the field. Your country, having again need for your 
services, has appealed to your patriotism, and you 
have met it promptly. The cheerfulness with which 
you have appeared to encounter the hardships and 
perils of a winter's campaign, affords the highest 
evidence of what may be expected of you, in the 
hour of conflict and trial. 



308 MEMOIRS OF 

The savages on your borders, unwilling to be at 
peace, have once more raised the tomahawk to shed 
the blood of our citizens, and already (hey are 
assembled in considerable force, to carry their mur- 
derous scliemes into execution. Not contented with 
the liberal policy that has from time to time been 
shewn them, but yielding themselves victims to 
foreign seducers, they vainly think to assail and 
conquer the country that protects them. Stupid 

mortals ! They have forgotten too soon the streams 
of blood their ill fated policy heretofore cost them. 
They have forgotten too, that but a short time 
since, conquered, and almost destroyed, they were 
only preserved by the mildness and humanity of 
that country, which they now oppose. They must 
now be taught, that however benevolent and hu- 
mane that country is, she yet has sacred rights to 
protect, and with impunity, will not permit the 
butchery of her peaceable and unoilending citizens. 
Brave Volunteers ! — The enemy you are going to 
contend with, you have heretofore met and fought. 
You have once done it, and can again conquer 
them. You go not to fight, but to be victorious ; 
remember then, that the w ay to prove successful, is 
not by being inattentive to the first duties of a sol* 
dier, but by bearing and executing with cheerful- 
ness, the orders of superiors, and being constantly 
mindful of the obligations you are under to your 
country and to yourself. Subordination and atten» 



ANDREW JACKSON, 309 

ticn to discipline, are all-important and indispensa- 
ble ; without them, nothing like system can be pre- 
served, and this being wanted, nothing favourable 
can result. But in you, every confidence is repos- 
ed. Your general will not believe that brave men, 
who have so promptly come forth at the call of 
their country, will withhold their assent to regula- 
tions which can alone assure them safety and suc- 
cess. Hardships and dangers are incident to war; 
but brave men will bear them without murmuring 
or complaining. Knowing you to be such, no fears 
are entertained but that every duty imposed on 
you, will be met with promptness and cheerfulness. 
Your general goes before you to open the way, 
and prepare for your reception. Confiding in your 
diligence and exertions, he will expect your arrival 
at your destined point, without unnecessary delay 
—led by Col. Arthur P. Haynes, an officer in whom 
he has every confidence. This being eifected, he 
will place himself at your head, and with you share 
the dangers and hardships of the campaign." 

The proud title and unfading laurels which these 
gallant sons of the Republic had acquired, would 
not suffer them to remain unmoved at an address 
from a chieftain, under whom they had acquired 
them. With a promptness that had ever signalized 
them, they repaired to their rendezvous, and, un- 
der the command of Col Arthur P. Haynes, so of- 



310 MEMOIRS OF 

ten mentioned before, repaired to the point of des- 
tination, at Fort Scott. 

Gen. Jackson, in January, 1818, had repaired to 
Georgia, and had placed himself at the head of the 
Georgia militia. Situated in a country which af- 
fords but few materials for the subsistence of an ar- 
my, he actually commenced a march of ten days 
through a wilderness, with only a pint of corn to 
each man per day ! He w as also conscious, that a 
supply could not be relied upon at Fort Scott. But 
he knew the importance of celerity in the movement 
of an army, and the brilliancy of his achievements 
had hitherto depended much upon if. At Fort 
Scott, he formed a juction with the regular for- 
ces; and upon the arrival of the Tennessee volun- 
teers, was prepared to make a sudden termination 
of the Seminole war. 

This tribe had not a solitary claim to compassion, 
excepting what arises from the consideration, that 
they were willing victims to Spanish and British 
machinations. Even their principal chief, Pepiti- 
coxy, when asked the reason of his hostility against 
the American Republic, replied, — '* The government 
mere alnays ready to do him justice, and to make 
peace with him ; but that war was a fine manly exer- 
cise, in which he wished to practice his young men I /" 
Their " foreign seducers," were ever ready to make 
thpm victims to their own infatuation. The same 
€oL Nicoll, of proclamation memory, and the same 



ANDREW JACKSON. 311 

Capt, Woodbine^ of no memory, but that of infamy, 
were found to be skulkinij among the Seminoles, as 
they sneaked from Pensacola in the last war, after 
having exposed the feeble and impotent Manrequez, 
to the just vengeance of a magnanimous but insult- 
ed government. 

By the first week in March, 1818, the measures of 
Gen. Jackson were determined upon ; and when fix- 
ed, Indian hostility, Spanish intrigue, and British 
perfidy, might as well divorce the sun from the 
ecliptfc, as to divert him from their accomplish- 
ment. He had been compelled, in avenging the 
injuries of his country, to make the brave, infatua- 
ted, and misguided Creeks bleed at every pore. Al- 
though the Seminoles had less claim to compassion, 
yet this great commander was aware that they were 
also misled ; but upon them, as open aggressors, his 
power was/r5^ to operate, and theuy upon their mis- 
leaders. He was determined to strike at the root 
of the evil ; and, if possible, to remove it. 

Minute details might be entered into, and they 
might gratify minute curiosity; but it is sufficient 
to say, that Gen. Jackson marched, with his forces, 
through a country, in which the savages had every 
advantage, from their acquaintance with it, and 
from its better adaption to savage, than to civilized 
warfare. Like the powerful representative of a great 
people, he determined to punish the guilty, wherev- 
er found, and to spare the innocent, where innocence 



312 BIEMOIRS OF 

was evinced. He passed through that part of the 
American territory occupied by the Seminoles; and 
they either fell, or retired before him and his gallant 
followers. He reached the borders of Florida upon 
the 10th March. Knowing that geographical boun- 
daries were not the boundaries of right and wrong, 
and determining to penetrate the darkest recesses of 
guilt, and punish its instigators, he entered the 
Spanish province of Florida with his forces. 

Many of the countrymen of Gen. Jackson, have 
])estowed a liberal portion of censure upon him, for 
entering the territory of a power, with an army, 
with whom the Republic was at peace. While it 
is admitted, that Spain was ostensibly at peace with 
Americans, it must not be denied that the Spanish 
authorities in Florida were palpably violating the 
treaty, by omitting to restrain the savages in their 
territory from acts of hostility against them, and 
by encouraging the savages in committing them. 
Should it be said that they were unable to restrain 
them, from their own weakness, and from the supe- 
riority of the savages, it may be answered — every 
nation must perform their own treaty stipulations, 
or sulfer the consequences of a violation. Is not 
the plea of weakness a fallacy, as it regards the Span- 
ish treaty with America ? Is it to be said that one 
of the *' Allied Sovereigns" of Europe cannot re- 
strain a single tribe of Indians from breaking his 
treaties ? A tenth part of the forces he has, for 



ANDREW JA.CKSON. 313 

years, maintained in South- America, vainly endea- 
vouring to enslave the Patriots, and subject them to 
Spanish tyranny, the torture, and the Inquisition, 
might easily have restrained the Seminole Indians 
from depredations and murders, in the American 
settlements. 

Gen. Jackson had under his command, and, of 
course, under his military protection, all that por- 
tion of the Republic which bounds upon the exten- 
sive province of Florida. He held himself, in a de- 
gree, accountable for every inch of territory, that 
was invaded, and every limb and life that was lost 
by the enemies of his country. He felt his ability 
to defend his extensive Division ; he knew it to be 
his duty ; and was conscious that his country ex- 
pected it from him. He saw his countrymen mur- 
dered upon the frontiers, and the murderers protect- 
ed by a government which was solemnly pledged to 
restrain the savages, who had committed them, from 
evenj act of hostility. It would have been but a 
pastime for these blood-seeking, desperate Seminoles, 
to have saturated themselves with the blood of 
American women and children, and merely to be 
driven to their homes in the forests of Florida, only 
to prepare to glut their vengeance by repeated feasts 
of innocent blood. Are the swamps and ravines of 
Florida, like the horns of ancient altars, a protection 
for murderers ? Ask the parents of slain innocents, 

'vhether ^Azs is the protection their government i^ 
Cc 



314 MfixMOIRS OF 

pledged to extend to them. No matter what might 
have been the instructions of the government to Gen. 
Jackson — no matter what may be the opinion of the 
fastidious civilian upon abstract questions of inter- 
national law. The Spanish government had palpa^ 
bly violated their treaty with America; and if thir- 
teen years more of negociation were to be spent, the 
Alabama territory, the frontiers of Georgia, Tennes- 
see, and Mississippi, will have presented a wide 
spread scene of desolation, in which the bones of 
American citizens would be found mingled with the 
ruins of their habitations, and the devastations of 
the country. 

Gen. Jackson, like an an ancient patriot, described 
by an ancient historian, is " a man — a high-minded 
?nan, nho knows his dutij, and knoning^ dares perform 
it" He might have said, as his great and exalted 
friend. President Monroe did, when he entered the 
highest station filled by an human being— •" from 

A JUST responsibility I SHALL NEVER SHRINK." 

He led his army into Florida. The confidence of 
the wretched Seminoles was converted to despair, 
and they fled in consternation before the avenger of 
their inhuman murders. He penetrated into the 
interior of Florida, and captured Fort St. Marks, 
the dark scene of Spanish and British machinations, 
and the primwn mobile of Indian carnage and mas- 
sacre. The Spanish authorities protested against 
it, but conscious guilt unnerved their arms, and 
they dared not defend it by force. 



-ANDREW JACKSON. 316 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Gen. Jackson at Fort St. Marks, Florida — captures and executes 
Francis the Prophet, and an Indian Chief— at the same phce, takes 
Arbuthnotand Arabrister — details a general court-martial for their 
trial — Trial of Arbuthnot and Ambrister — Remark — Gen Jackson 
marches for Pensacola — captures it — appoints Col. King to the 
command of it, and retires to Nashville, Tenn. 

Gen. Jackson was now, (April, 1818,) in posses- 
sion of the most important post in Florida, (if 
Pensacola be excepted,) — Fort St, Marks. It is 
situated far in the interior of that province, upon 
the river St, Marks : has long been the theatre of 
the most nefarious designs, and the starting point 
from which marauders, depredators, and murderers 
have taken their departure— certain of being wel- 
comed home, when plunder and scalps were brought 
with them. From this place, Gen. Jackson direct- 
ed his operations against the Seminoles, yet unsub- 
dued. An important town of theirs, by the name 
of Suwanny, thirty miles distant, was taken by a 
detachment of the array. The savages dispersed 
or surrendered, in every part of the country, and 
the war of defence against the Seminoles, was sud- 
denly brought to a close. 

By hoisting a British (^ag upon the fort, many hos- 
tile Indians entered the water craft in the river, and 



316 MEMOIES OP 

were captured. Among them were a ferocious chief, 
and the Prophet Francis, whose murders, commit- 
ted and instigated, cannot all be mentioned. They 
suffered the reward of their diabolical wickedness 
upon the gallows. The rest of the savages were 
discharged. Francis had recently visited England ; 
and there was found in his possession, a general's 
commission in the British army. 

At the same place were taken the two British 
subjects before mentioned — Arbuthnot and Ambris- 
ten. The most conclusive evidence was furnished 
Gen. Jackson, that these men were, and for a long 
time had been, in open hostility against the Re- 
public. That they had furnished the Seminoles 
and negroes, with every species of deadly weapons, 
the better to enable them to carry on war against 
the Americans. That they had stimulated them 
to the commission of many of the murders that had 
been perpetrated by them, upon the defenceless 
citizens upon the frontiers ; and that they had ren- 
dered themselves subject to the most rigorous exe- 
cution of vengeance against them, as violators of the 
acknowledged principles of the law of nations. 

Gen. Jackson, imitating the dignified moderation 
of the government whose power he represented, 
detained them for trials to give them an opportuni- 
ty to evince their innocence. A general court- 
martial was detailed, of thirteen members. The 
President of this court was Maj. Gen. Edmund P. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 317 

GcdneSi one of the most distinguished and accom- 
plished ofHcers in the American, or any other ser- 
vice. The members consisted of officers of high 
reputation in the regular army and in the corps of 
volunteers. Every indulgence, consistent with the 
dignity of the proceeding, was extended to the ar- 
rested men ; and every opportunity aflbrded them 
to make a full defence. After the most solemn 
deliberation, the court found them guilty of the 
articles and specifications exhibited against them, 
and ordered them to be executed. Gen, Jackson 
approved of the sentence ; and Arbuthnot and Am- 
brister atoned with their lives, so far as two guilty 
lives could atone, for the murder of many innocent 
and worthy men— many lovely and helpless wo- 
men — many weeping and beseeching children, which 
had been instigated by them, and perpetrated by 
the most ferocious clan of infuriated desperadoes 
that infest the earth. =^ 

These trials, these condemnations, and these ex- 
ecutions, have excited unmeaning clamour from 
some, and perhaps, as unmeaning applause from 
others. The wise advice, " first hear, and then 
judge," seems to have been totally disregarded up- 
on this subject. But that every reader may have 

* To shew tlic unparalleled barbarism of the Seminole clan, it 
need only be mentioned, that in June, 1818, Bull Head, Chief of 
the lower Seminoies, died ; and that, four of his finest plundered 
horses, aad his favourite negro, were burned on the occasion, 
v^ C ^ 



318 MEMoiiis or 

an oppoiluMily of jndi;ing from proper authority, 
the trial of these ill-fated men is introduced into 
these xMemoirs.^ 

TRIAL OF ARBUTHNOT AND AMBRISTER, 

AS TRANSMITTED BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE CONGRESS 
OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Minutes of the proceedings of a special court, organized 
agreeably to the following order, viz. 

Adjutant General's Office, Fort St. Mark's, > 
26th April, 1818. ] 

Head Quarters ^ Division of the Soidh. 

GENERAL ORDER. 

The following detail will compose a special court, to 
convene at this post at the hour of 1*2 o'clock, M. for 
the purpose of investigating the charf^es exhibited 
against A Arbuthnot, Robert Christy Ambrister, and 
such others, who are similarly situated, as may be 
brought before it. 

The court will record all the documents and testi- 
mony in the several cases, and their opinion as lo the 
guilt or innocence of the prisoners, and what punish- 
ment, (if any) should be inflicted. 

DETIAL. 

Major General E. P. Gaines, President. 
Col King, 4th infantry, 
Col. Williams, Ten. vol. 
Col. Dyer, Ten. vol. 

* The trial of Arbuthnot and Ambrister, is here given, as laid 
before the Congress of the Uaiteil States, except a few letters of 
minor consequence, which were adduced in evidence ; and from 
these every thing of ioiportance is extracte'I, so that the spirit of the 
T»hole is retained. 



ANDREW JACKSON. ,SIO 

Lt. Col, Lindsay, Cor. Ar. 

Lt Col. Elliot, Ten, vol. 

lit. Col Gibson, Ten. vol. 

Maj. Muhlenberg, 4th inf. 

Maj Montgomery, 7th inf. 

Maj. Fanning, Cor. Ar. 

Maj. Minton, Geo. Mili. 

Capt. Vashon, 7tb inf. 

Capt Crittenden, K'y vol. Members. 

Lt. J. M. Glassel, 7th infantry, Recorder. 

An orderly will be detailed from Gen. Gaines' bri- 
gade, and the court will sit without regard to hours. 

By order of Major General Jackson, 

ROBERT BUTLER, Adj. Gen. 

Fort St Marks, 26th ^pril, 1818. 

The court convened pursuant to the foregoing order, 
wJien, being duly sworn, in the presence of the prisoner, 
and he being asked if he had any objections to any mem- 
ber tiiereof, and rpplying in the negative, the following 
charges and specilications were read, viz. 

Charges vs. A. Mrbuthnot, now in custody.^ and who says 
he is a British subject : 

Charge 1st — Exciting and stirring up the Creek In- 
dians to war against the United States, and her citizens, 
he (A. Arbuthnot) being a subject of Great Britain, 
with whom the United States are at peace. 

Specification — That the said A. Arbuthnot, between 
the months of April and July, or sometime in June, 
1817, wrote a letter to the Little Prince, exhorting 
and advising him not to comply with the treaty effort 
Jackson, stating that the citizens of the United States 
were infringing on the treaty of Ghent, and, as he be- 
lieved, without the knowledge of the chief magistrate 
of the United States ; and advising the Upper and 
Lower Creeks to unite aad be friendly, stating that 



320 MEMOIRS or 

William Hambly was the cause of their disputes ; als» 
advising the Little Prince to write to the governor ot 
New Providence, who would write to his royal highness 
the prince regent, through whom the United States 
would be called to a compliance with the treaty of 
Ghent, and advising them not to give up their lands, 
under the treaty of fort Jackson, for that the American 
citizens would be compelled to give up to them all their 
lands, under the treaty of Ghent. 

Charge 2d — Acting as a spy, and aiding, abetting 
and comforting the enemy, supplying them with the 
means of war. 

Specification 1st — In writing a letter from the fort of 
St. Marks, dated 2d April, 1818, to his son John, at 
Suwany, (marked A.) detailing the advance of the 
army under Gen. Jackson, stating their force, probable 
movements, and intentions, to be communicated to 
Bowlegs, the chief of the Suwany towns, for his gov- 
ernment. 

Specification '2d — In writing the letters marked B, 
without date, and C, with enclosures, 27th Jan. 1818, 
and D, called " a note of Indian talks," and E, with- 
out date, applying to the British government, through 
governor Cameron, for munitions of war, and assistance 
for our enemies ; making false representations ; and 
also applying to Mr. Bagot, British Ambassador, for his 
Interference, with a statement, on the back of one of 
the letters of munitions of war for the enemy. 

Charge 3d — Exciting the Indians to murder and de- 
stroy William Hambly, and Edmund Doyle, and caus- 
ing their arrest, with a view to their condemnation to 
death, and the seizure of their property, on account of 
their active and zealous exertions to maintain peace 
between Spain, the United States and the fodians, they 
being citizens of the Spanish, government. 

Specification Is/-— In writing the letters marked F, 
dated t>6th August, 18 J 7, G, dated 13th May. 18 1 7, 
and H, threatening them with death; alleging against 



ANDREW JACKSON. 321 

tbem false and infamous charges, and using every means 
in his power to procure their arrest. All which writings 
and sayings excited, and had a tendency to excite, 
the negroes and Indians to acts of hostility against the 
United States. 

By order of the court, 

J. M. GLASSEL, Recorder. 

To which charges and specifications the prisoner 
pleaded A^ot Guilty. 

The prisoner having made application for counsel, it 
was granted him ; when the court proceeded to the ex- 
amination of the evidence. 

John Winslett, a witness on the part of the prosecu- 
tion, biding duly sworn, stated, that, som*? time before 
last July, the Little Prince received a letter signed by a 
Mr. Arbuthnot, advising the upper part of the nation to 
unite With the lower chiefs in amity ; and stating, the 
best mode for them to repossess themselves of their 
lands, would be to write to him (Arbuthnot) and he 
would send their complaints to the governor of Provi- 
dence, whence it would be forwarded to his Britannic 
majesty, and he would have the terms of the treaty of 
Ghent attended to. He moreover stated his belief, 
that the encroachments on the Indian lands were un- 
known to the president of the United States. The wit- 
ness also identified the signature of the prisoner in a let- 
ter to his son marked A, and referred to in the first spe- 
cification, in the second charge, and heretefore noted, as 
the same with that sent to the Little Prince. 

The witness on belog further interrogated, stated 
the language of the letter alluded to, to be, that the 
British government on application would cause to be re- 
stored to them their lands they held in 181 1, agreeably 
to the terms of the treaty of Ghent. 

Question by the prisoner. — Who is the Little Prince, 
or is he known by any other name ? 



OZZ MEMOIRS OF 

*^ns. He is known by the name of Tustenukke Hop- 
in, and is the second chief of the nation. 

Question by the prisoner. — Where is the letter you al- 
lude to, or in whose possession ? 

Ans. It was left in the possession of the Little Prince 
when I last sfiw it. 

Question by the prisoner. — Has this Little Prince no 
other name than what you state ? 

Ans. Not that I know of. 

Question f>y the prisoner. — Do you swear that the let- 
ter alluded to was addressed to the Little Prince ? 

Ans. I do not. It was presented to me by the Little 
Prince to read and interpret for him, which I did. 

Question by the prisoner. — Are you certain that the 
letter stated that the chief magistrate of the United 
States could have no knowledge of settlements made on 
Indian lands or injuries committed ? 

Ans. The letter stated that to be the belief of the 
writer. 

John Lewis Phenix, a witness on the part of the 
prosecution, being duly sworn, stated with regard to the 
Ist specification of the 2d charge, that being at Suwa- 
ny in the town about the 6th or 7th of April, he was 
awakened in the morning by Mr. Ambrister's receiving, 
by the hands of a negro, who got it from an Indian, a 
letter from St. Mark's, at that time stated by Ambris- 
ter to be from the prisoner. 

Question by the prisoner. — Did you see that letter or 
hear it read ? 

Ans. I did see the paper, but did not hear it read. 

Question by the prisoner. — Did you state that the let- 
ter was received by an Indian express ? 

Ans, So the black man that delivered It said. 

A question being raised by a member of the court as 
to the jurisdiction on the third chargp and its specifica- 
tion, the doors were closed, and, after mature delibera- 



ANDREW JACKSON. 323 

tion, they decided that this court are incompetent to 
take cognizance of the offences alleged in that charge 
and specification. 

Peter B. Cook, a former clerk to the prisoner, and a 
witness on the part of the prosecution, being duly sworn, 
stated that about December or January last, the pris- 
oner had a large quantity of powder and lead brought to 
Suwany in his vessel, which he sold to the Indians and 
negroes, that, subsequent to that time, when he cannot 
recollect, Ambrister brought for the prisoner in his (the 
prisoner's) vessel, nine kegs of powder and 'a large 
quantity of lead, which was taken possession of by 
the negroes. The witness also identified to the follow- 
ing letters, referred to in the foregoing charges and spe- 
cifications, marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, as 
being the prisoner's hand writing ; also the power of 
attorney No. 1, granted by the Indians to A. Arbuth- 
not. 

A. 

From A. Jlrhuihnoi to his son, John Arhulknot, dated Fort 
St. Marks J 2<i Jiprily 1818, 9 o\lock in the morning. 

Dear John, 

As I am ill able to write a long letter, it is necessary 
to be brief. Before my arrival here the commandant 
had received an express from the governor of Pensaco- 
ia, informing him of a large embarkation of troops, &c. 
un<ler the immediate command of General Jackson ; 
and the boat that brought the despatch reckoned eigh- 
teen sail of vessels off Appalachicola. By a deserter 
that was brought here by the Indians, the commandant 
was informed that 3,000 men, under the orders of Gen- 
eral Jackson, 1,000 foot and 1,600 horse, under Gene- 
ral Gaines, 500 under another general, were at Pros- 
pect Bluff, where they are rebuilding the burnt fort ; 
that 1000 Indians, of different nations, were at Spanish 
Bluff, building another fort, under the direction of 



S24i MEMOIRS or 

American officers ; that so soon as these forts were built 
they intended to march They have commenceu. Yes- 
terday morniiig advice was received that they had ap- 
peared near and taken two of the sons of M'Queen, 

and an Indian. Late in the afternoon, three schooners 
came to anchor at the mouth of the river, and this mor- 
ning the American flag is seen flying on the largest. 

I am blocked here ; no Indians will come with me, 
and I am now suff'ering from the fatigue of coming here 
alone. 

The main drift of the Americans is to destroy the 
black population of Suwany. Tell my friend Boleck, 
that it is throwing away his people, to attempt to resist 
such a powerful force as will be drawn on Sahwahnee ; 
and as the troops advance by land, so will the vessels by 
sea. Endeavor to get all the goods over the river in a 
plac e of security, as also the skins of all sorts ; the corn 
mu?t be left to its fate. So soon as the Sahwahnee is de- 
stroyed, I expect the Americans will be satisfied and 
retire : this is only my opinion, but I think it is confor- 
mable to the demand made by Gen Gaines to king 
Hatchy some montli's since : in fact, do all you can to 
save all you can save, the books particularly. It is pro- 
bable the commandant will receive some communication 
from the vessels to day, when he will know more cer- 
tainly what are their motives in coming off the fort. I 
think it is only to shut up the passage to the Indians. 
Twenty canoes went down yesterday, and were forced 
to return. The road between this and Mickasucky is 
said to be stopped. Hillisajo and Himathlo Mico were 
here last night, to hear what vessels : they will remove 
all their cattle and effects across St. Mark's river this 
morning, and peihaps wail near thereto for th»- event. 

I have been as brief as I can to give you the substance 
of what appears facts, that cannot be doubted, to enter 
into details in the present moment is useless. If the 
schooner is returned, get all the goods on board of her, 
and let her start off for Mounater creek, in the bottom 



ANDREW JACKSON. 325 

of Cedar Key bay. You will there only have the skins 
to hide away. But no delay must take place, as the ves- 
sels will no doubt, loUow the land aruiy, and perlaps, 
even now, some have gone round. I pray your .strictest 
attention, for the nnore that is saved will be, eventually, 
nnore to your interest. Let the bearer have as much 
calico as will make him two sliirts, for his trouble : he 
has promised to deliver tisis in three, but 1 give him four 
days. 1 am yours, afftctionateiy, 

A. ARBUTH^^OT. 
B. 

From Jl. Jlrhulhnot io Chas. Cameron, Gov. Bahamas, 

Sir — Being empowered by the chiefs of the Lower 
Creek nation to represent the state of their nation to 
your ^xcelh^ncy, that you may be pleased to fuiward 
the same fur the information of his majesty's govern- 
ment, to whom alone they lock for protection agaif^stttie 
aggressions and encroachuietits of the Auiericat's, 1 
beg leave to submit to your .excellency the encios-d rep- 
resentations, humbly praying thr+t your exrelh ncy ivill 
be pl^^ased to tuko an early opportunity uf forwdruhig 
the fame to Great Brit-iin, 

I aa* insiructed by B<deck, chief of the Sahwahnee, 
to make rh,- demand herein enrlosed, he never havmg 
had any share of the presents distributed at Prospect 
Bh»if, though he rendered eqindly assential servicx'S as 
any of the other chiefs to the British cause, vviiile at war 
with America, and was at N^w- Orleans with a part 
of Ins warriors. Mis frontiers being more exposerl to 
the pretJatory incursions of tlw- hack Georgians, who 
enter his territory and drive off his cattle, he is obliged 
to have larij< parties out, to watch their motions, and 
prevent their plundering And, being now deficient of 
ammunition, he prays your excellency will grant his 
small demand, humbly submittioi^ the same 

1 nave the honor to be your excellency's most humble 
servant, A. A, 

Dd 



326 BIExMOIRS OF 

The humble represenlations of the chiefs of the Creeh nation 
to his excellency Gov. Cameron. 

First, we beg leave to represent, that Edmund Doyle 
and VViliiam Haoibly, lately clerks, at Prospect Bluff, 
to Messrs. Forbes, Scr. and who still reside on the Appa- 
lachicola river, we consider as the principal cause of our 
present trmbles and uneasiness. Hambly was the in- 
strumental cause of the fort at Prospect Bluff being de- 
stroyed by the Americans, by which we lost the supplies 
intended for our future wars. Since then, both these 
men have kept their emissaries amon«; us, tending to 
harass and disturb our repose, and that of our brethren 
of the middle and upper nation ; they spread among us 
reports that the Cowetas, .aided by the Americans, are 
descendiug to drive us off our land ; they equally propa- 
gate false. 

C. 

From Jl. Srhtdhnol to Benj. Moodie^ Esq. enclosing; letters 
to Charles Ba^ot^ Esq, British Alijiister at f'Vashington. 

SahivalineCy in the Creeh Station, 2Tth Jan. 1818. 

Sir — The enclosed, containing matter of serious 
moment, and demanding the immediate attention of his 
excelb^ncy the British ambassador, I trust he will, for 
this time, forgive the trifling expense of postage, which 
I have endeavored to prevent as much as possible, by 
compressing much matter in one sheet of paper. Should 
you, sir, be put to any trouble or expense, by ihh trou- 
ble I give you, by beit^jj; made acquainted with the same, 
I will Instruct Bain, Dunshee and Co. to order payment 
of the same. 1 have the honor tb be, sir, your most 
obedient, humble servant, A. ARBUTHNOT. 

From Ji, Jlvhidhnoi to the Hon. Charles Bagot. 
Sir — It is with pain I again obtrude myself upon your 
excellency's notice, but the pressing golicitations of the 



ANDREW JACKSON. 327 

ciiiefs of the Creek nation, and the deplorable situation 
in which they are placed by the wanton ajrsfressions of 
the Americans. I trust, your excellency will take as a 
sufficient apoloo^y for the present intrusion. 

In August last, the head chipf of the Seminole In- 
dians received a letter from Gen. Gaines, of which I 
have taken the liberty of annexing your excellency the 
contents, as delivered me by the chief's head English 
interpreter, with king Hahhy's reply thereto. 

This letter appears to have been intended to sound 
the disposition of the chief, and ascertain the force ne- 
cessary to overrun the nation ; for, from then until the 
actual attack was made on Fowl Town, the same gene- 
ral, with Gen. Jackson, seem to have been collecting 
troops and settling in various quarters. 

If your excellency desires to have further information 
respecting the situation of this country and its inhabi- 
tants, I can, from time to time, inform your excellency 
of such facts and circumstances as are stated to me by 
chiels of known veracity, or which may come under my 
own observation ; and your excellency''s ortler, addres- 
ae<l to me at New Providence, will either find me there 
or he forwarded me lo this country. 

With gieai respect, I have the honour to be your ex- 
cellency's most obedient servant, A. A. 

The following memorandum was on the back of the 
fort «;'*J"iif 1^'tter : — 

Ktng Hahhy 1000, Boleck 1500, Oso Hatjo Chocta- 
whachy 500, Himash) Misu Cuattchichy 600, at pre- 
sent with Hiliisajo. At present under arms, 1 000 and 
more ; and attackinj; those Americans who have made 
inroads f-n tht ir territory. 

A quantity of gun powder, lead, muskets, and flints, 
sufficient to arm .000 or iOOO men ; muskets 1000, 
arms smaller if possible ; 10,000 flints, a pr< portion for 
rifl^, put iip !»ep:^rtte , 50 cw^ks gun powder, a propor- 
tion for rifle ; iOOO kmves, 6 to 9 inch blade, good qua- 



328 AIEMOIRS OF 

llty ; 1000 tomahawks ; 100 lbs. vermillion ; 2000 lbs. 
lead, indeoendent of ball (or muskets. 

(Signed,) Kinff HAHHY. 

(^Signed,) BOLECK. 

From General Gaines to the Seminoly Chief. 

To the Seminoly chief: Your Seminolys are very 
bad people : I don't say whom. You have murdered 
many of my people, and stolen my cattle, and many 
good horses, that cost me money ; and mp.ny good hou- 
ses, that cost me money, you have hurnt for me ; and 
now that you see my writing, you'll think I hav^ spoken 
right. I know it is so ; you know it is so ; for now 
you may say, I will go upon you at random ; but just 
give me the murderers, and I will shew them my law, 
and when that is finished and past, if you will come 
about any of my people, you will see your friends, and 
if you see me you will see your friend. But there is 
something out in the sea ; a bird with a forked tongue : 
whip him back before he lands, for he will be the ruin 
of you y'et. Perhaps you do not know who or what I 
mean — 1 mean the name of Englishmen. 

I tell you this, that if you do not give me up the mur- 
derers who have murdered n)y people, I say I have got 
good strong warriors, vvith scalping knives and toma- 
hawks. You harbour a great many of my black people 
among you, at Sahwahnee. If you give qjc leave to go 
by you against them, I shall not hurt any thing belong- 
ing to you. (Signed,) General GAINES. 

From King Halchy to General GaineSy in ansioer to the 

foregoing. 

To General Gaines : You charge me with killing your 
people, stealing your cattle, and burning your houses. 
It 19 I that have cause to complain of the Americans. 
While one American has been justly killed, while in the 
act of stealing cattle, more than four Indians have been 



ANDREW JACKSON. 329 

murdere<l while hunting, by these lawless freebooters. 
I harbour no negroes. When the Englishmen were at 
war with America, some took shelter among them, and 
it is fur you white people to settle tijese things among 
yourseive.«, and not tiouble us with what we know no- 
thing about. I shall use force to stop any armed Ameri- 
cans from passing my towns or my lands. 

(Signed,) King HATCHY. 

D. 

'^JVole of Indian Talhs^ 

In August, Capp had a letter from General Gaines, 
in substance as annexed, No. I, and returned the an- 
swer as by No. 2. Nothing further was said on either 
side. The end of October, a party of Americans, from 
a fort on Flint river, surrounded Fowl Town during the 
night, and began burning it. The Indians then in it, 
fled to the swamps, and in their flij^ht had three per- 
sons killed by fire from tlie ximericans : tiiey rallied 
their people, and forced the Americans to retire some 
distance, but nut before they had two more persons 
killed. The Americans built a block-house or fort, 
wliere they had fallen back to, and immediately sent to 
the fort up the country for assistance, stating the In- 
dians were the aggressors ; and also settled with Tohe- 
mock for the loss his peaple had suffered, at the same 
tioic senditig a talk to king Hatciiy, by a head man, 
(Aping,") that he would put things in such a train as tb 
prevent further encroachments, and get those Ameri- 
cans to leave the fort. But no sooner was the good 
talk given, and before the bearer uf it returned home, 
than liundreds af Americans came pouring down on the 
Indians ; roused them to a sense of their own danger : 
they flew to arms, and have been compelled to support 
them ever since. It is not alone from the country, but 
by vessels entering Appalachicola river in vessels with 
trooDs, and settlers are pouring into the Indian territo- 
Dd2 



330 BIEWOIRS Of 

ry ; and, if permitted to continue, will soon overrun the 
whole of the Indian lands From the talk sent King 
Hatcliy, hy Governor Mitchell, I am in hopes that 
those aggre9si(,'ns of the Americans on the Indian terri- 
tory are not countenanced by the Anjerican government, 
but orio;inate with men devoid of principle, who set laws 
and insiructions at di fiance, and stitk at no cruelty and 
oppressions to obtain their ends. Ajjainst such oppres- 
sions the American government must use not only all 
their influence, but, if necessary, force, or their names 
will be handed down to posterity as a nation more cruel 
and savage to the unfortunate Aborigines of this coun- 
try, than ever were the Spaniards, in more dark ages, 
to the nations of South-America. 

The English government, as the special protectors of 
the Indian nations, and on whom alone they rely for as- 
sistance, ou^'ht to step forward and save those unfortu- 
nate people from ruin ; and as you, sir, are appointed 
to watch over their interests, it is my duty, as an Eng- 
lishman, and the only one in this part < f the Indian na- 
tion, to instruct you of the talks the chiefs bring me for 
your information ; and 1 sincerely trust, sir, you will 
use the powers you are vrsted with, for the service and 
pr<)tection of those unfortunate people, who look up to 
you as their saviour. I have written to Cen. Mitchell, 
wlio, I hear, is an excellent man ; and, as he arts as 
Indian agent, I hope his influence will stop the torrent 
©f innovations, and give peace and quietness to the 
Creek nation. 

I pray your excellency will pardon this intrusion, 
which nothing but the urgency of the case, would have 
induced me to make. 

I have the honour to be your excellency's most obe- 
dient servant, A. A. 



ANDRKW JACKSON. 331 

EXTRACT OF LETTER P, 

From Ji. Jlvbalhnot to Col. JVicholl. 

Nassau, N P. 2eth Aug:. 1817. 

Lieut. Col. Edwanl Nicholl — Sir— Especially au- 
thorised by the chiefs of the loweir Creek nation, whose 
nanies I affix to the present, I am desired to address 
you, that you may lay their complaints before his majes- 
ty's {government. They desire it to be made known, 
that they have explicitly followed your advice. They 
complain of the English government neglectini; them, 
after having drawn them into a war witii America ; that 
you, sir, have not kept your promise, in sending people 
among them, and that, if they have not sorap persons 
resident in the nation to watch (jver their interest, they 
will soon be driven to the extremity of the peninsula. I 
am desired to return Hillisajo's warmest acknowledg- 
ments for the very handsome manner you treated him 
in England, and h' begs his prayer may be laid at the 
foot of his Royal Kijrhness the Prince Regent. I left 
him and all his family well on the 20th June Old Cap- 
pachimicco desires me to send his best respects, and re« 
quests that you will send out some people to live among 
♦hem, and all the land they took from Forbs shall be 
theirs. At all events they must have an agent among 
them. The power given me, and the instructions were, 
to memorialize his Majesty's governmeiit, as well as 
the Governor-General of the Havana ; but if you will 
be pleased to lay this letter before his Majesty's Secre- 
tary of State, it will save the necessity of the first, and 
I fear that a memorial to the Governor-General would 
be of no use. 

RtTerring you to the answer, I am, most respectfully, 
your obedient servant, A. AKBUTHNOT. 

No. I . 
Power of atiorncy from Indian chiefs to Ji. Jirhuthnot. 

Know all men by these presents, that we, chiefs o^ 



3S2 MEMOIRS Of 

the Creek nation, whose names are affixed to this pow- 
er, havinj^ full faith nnd confidence in A Arbuihnot, of 
Nf^w Providence^ who, knowing all our talks, is (ully 
arquainted with our intentions and wishes, do hereby, 
by tliese presents, constitute and appoint him, the said 
Altxander Arbuthnot; our attorney and agent, with full 
powpr and authority to act tor us, ami in our names, in 
all affairs relating to our nation, and also to write such 
letters and papers as to him may appear necessary and 
proper, (i'T i)ur benefit, and that of the Creek nation. 

Given at Ocklocknee sound, in the Creek nation, this 
17iii day of June, one thousand eight hundred and se* 
venteen. 

1. Cappachimaco, his X mark. 

2. InJemohtIo, his X mark. 

3. Ciraries Turkont»ky, his X mark. 

4. Otus Mi CO, his X mark. 

5 Ochacone Tustwn 'ky, his X mark. 

6. Imatchluf'le, his X mark. 

7. Inhimatcchucle, his X mark. 

8. Lohoe Itamatchly, liifc X mark. 

9. Howrathle, his X mark. 

10. Hlllisajo, his X mark. 

11. Tamuches Halio, his X mark. 

12. Oparthlomico, his X mark. 

Certified explanation of names and towns to which 
Xhe foregoing chiefs belong, agreeably to the numbers 
set opposite thereto. WM. HAMBLY. 

1. Kinhigee, chief of Mickasuky. 

2. liihimyrthio, chief of Fowl Town. 

3. Charle Tusionoky, second chief of Ockmulgee 

Town. 

4. Chief on the Conholoway, below Fort Gaines. 

5. Opony, chief of Oakmulgee Towns. 

6. Ciiief of (he Atlapalgas. 

7. Chief of Pallatchucoley. 



ANDREW JACRSON. 333 

8. Chief of the Chehaws. 
9 Chief of the Red .Sticks. 
10 Francis, (th<^ Pnjphet ) 

11. Peter M'Qdeen, chief of the Tallahasses, (an old 

Red Stick.) 

12. A Red Stick, created chief by the lower towns. 

(Question bij the court. — Have you at any time within 
the last twelve months, heard any conversation bftweea 
the prisoner and the chief called BowU-cfs, rtlating to 
the war between the United States and the SeniinulHS. 

*Ans I heard the prisoner tell Bowings that he had 
sent letters to the prince regent, and expected soon to 
have an answer. Soaietirne afterwards, some of the 
negroes doubted his carrying tliose letters, when the 
prisoner stated that he had, but, the distance being 
great, it would take some time to receive an answer. 

By the court. — State to the court, when and where 
you first saw the letter signed A. Arbuthnot, dated April 
2d, 1818, referred to in the first specification and tne^2d 
charge. 

^7is. About the 6th of April, a black man who said 
he had received it frond an Indian, gave it to Mr. Am- 
brister, whom I saw reading it. 

Ques by the court — Do you know by what means 
that letter was conveyed to Suwany ? 

^ns 1 understood by an Indian who was sent from 
fort St. Marks. 

Qwes by the court — Who paid the Indian for carrying 
the lettf!- referred to in the last interrogatory .'' 

Ans I do not know. 

Q^ues. by the cowrf — What steps were taken by the 
negroes and indians on the receipt of the letter ? 

^^ns. Tliey first believed the bearer to be an enemy, 
and confined hiui, but, learning the contrary, began to 
prepare for the eneniy, and tlie removal of their laiiii- 
lies and effects across the river j the Indians lived on 
the opposite side. 



334) MEMOIRS OF 

Qwes. by the court. — Did the Indians and negroes act 
together in the performance of military duty ? 

Ans. No : But they always said they would fight to- 
gether. 

Q,ues. by the court. — Did not Nero command the 
blacks, and did not B-jwlegs own Nero, and was not the 
latter under the immediate command of Bowlegs ? 

Ans. Nero commanded the blacks, and was owned 
and commanded by Bowlegs : but there were some ne- 
gro captains who obeyed none but Nero. 

Qnes by the court. — What vessel brought to Suwany 
tbe ammunition which you said was sold by the prisoner 
10 the Indians and negroes ? 

»Ans. The schooner Chance, now lying at this wharf : 
she is a foretopsail vessel belonging to the prisoner. 

The witness also identified to the manuscript of the 
prisoner on the folluwing documents, viz. No J, grant- 
ing him full power to act in all cases fur the Indians, as 
recorded before ; and also a letter without signature, to 
the governor of St. Aujfustine, numbered i2 ; and fur- 
ther, a letter without date, to Mr Mitchell, the Indian 
agent, numbered 3 ; and an unsigned petition of the 
chiefs of the Lower Creek nation, to governor Came- 
ron, praying his aid in men and munitions of war num- 
bered 4 ; all of which the witness stated to be in the 
baud writing of the prisoner. 

EXTRACT OF PETITION NO. 4. 

Petition of the Chiefs of the Lower Crtek J^atioUy to 
governor Cameron. 

We the undersigned, deputed by the Creek Nation 
to wait on your excelleney, and lay before you t;.eir 
hepvy complaints. To the English, we have always 
lo"ked up to as friendsj as protectors, and or then* we 
now call to aid us in r^ polling the approaches of the 
Americans. When peace was made between the Eng° 



ANDHEVf JACKSON. 335 

Ifsh ^n(\ the Americans, we were told by Lieut. Colonel 
Ni('.hi>ll3, that the Auiericaus were to give up all our 
lands they had taken from us. Colonel Nirhidls left 
Mi. flambly in charge of the fort at Prospect Bluff; 
with orders to hear us, if any cause of complaint, and 
present the same to the British government ; but he 
turned traitor, and brought the Americans down on the 
fori, which was blown up, and many of our red breth- 
ren destroyed in it. VVe are therefore deputed to de- 
mand of your fxceliency the assihtatice of troops and 
ammunition, that w<^ may be able ptiectually to repel 
the attack of the Americans, and prevent their further 
encroachments ; and if we return without assistance, 
the Americans, who have their spi^s among us, will the 
more quickly come upon us. We most hunibly pray 
your excellency will send us mich a force as will be re- 
spected, and make us resppctable. 

[The following endorsed on the foregoing.] 

Charles Cameron, Esquire, Governor, Commander in 
in Chiefs <Sfc Sfc. 

I heg leave to represent to your excellency the ne- 
cessity of my 9gain returning; to the Indian Nation, with 
the d»>puties from the Chiefs, and as my trouble and ex- 
oent-e can only be defrayed by permission to take goods 
to ilispose of amongst them, I pray your excellency will 
be jdeased to grant me sue!) a letter (»r license, as will 
prevent me from being capiured in case of meeting any 
Spanish cruizer on the coast of Florida. 

The court adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 
(3 o'clock. 

Fort St. Marks, iSth April, 1818. 

The court convened pursuant to adjournment. — Pre- 
sent Major- General E. P. Gaii>es, president. 

Members. 
Colonel King, Colonel Dyer, 



336 MEMOIRS OF 

Colonel Williams, Lt. Col. Lindsey, 

Lt. Col Gibson, Lt. Col. Elliott, 

Major Muhlenberg, Major Fanning, 

M^jor Montj^omejy, Majvir IMinton, 

Captain Vashon, Captain Crittenden. 

Lt. J. M Glassell, Recorder. 

When the further examination of the witness, Peter 
B. Cook, took place, viz. : 

Question by the prisoner. — How lonjr have you been 
acquainted with the settlements on the Sahwahnee ? 

Jins . Between six and seven months. 

(^nes. by the P For what term of years did you en- 
gage to live with the prisoner ? 

Jliis. For no stated period — I was taken by the year. 

Ques. btf the P Were you not discharged by the pri- 
soner from his employ ? 

Jins. He told me he had no further use for me after I 
had written the letters to Proviilence, 

Qm€S. VYhere did you stay after you were discharged t 

Jins \ staid in a small house belonijing to a boy call- 
ed ""t Juhu, under the protection of Nero. 

Q?(es. Whwt was the subject matter of the letters you 
wrote to Providence ? 

Jins After being refused by the prisoner a small ven- 
ture to Providence, I wrote my friends for the means 
to trade by myself 

Qwes by the P Do you believe the prisoner had know- 
ledge of the venturr*'s beinj: on board the schooner ''' 

Jins. \ don't believe he did. It was small and in my 
trunk. 

Q /es by the P. Do you know that Ambrister was the 
agent of the [irisoner ? 

Jitis I do not. 

Ques. Do you think that the powder and the lead 
shippeti would more than supply the Indian and negro 
hunters ? 

^'ins, I did nut see the powder and lead myself, but 



ANDilEW JACKSO.V. 33? 

was told by Bowlegs that he had a great quantity he 
had there keeping' to fight with. 

Q,ues. Did the Indians reside on the «ast side of the 
river ? 

Ms. They did. 

Q,ues. You were asked if the negroes and Indians, 
when the letter marked A, was communicated, did not 
take up arms ? Had they received information of the 
defeat of the Indians at Mickasuky prior to that time ? 

jins. It was afterwards, I believe, they received the 
information 

Q,ues. Did not Bowlegs keep other powder than that 
got from the prisoner .'' 

jins He had some he got from the Bluff, which was 
nearly done : he said his hunteis were always bothering 
him about powder. 

Ques. Did you state that at the time Ambrister as-» 
cended the river, there was no other vessel at the mouth 
of tlie river ? 

Jins. There was none other there : there was one 
had sailed. 

Qi^es. There is a letter A spoken of: how do you 
know that the son of the prisoner had that letter in his 
possession ? 

Ans 1 saw him with it, whicli he dropped, and a boy 
called John, picked up and gave it to me. 

0«e5 You stated that the Indians and negroes doubt- 
ed the fidelity of the prisoner in sending letters to the 
Prince Regent : do you think the prisoner would have 
been punished by them, iiad he not complied with their 
wishes ? 

Jins. I do not know. 

Qwes. Do you believe the prisoner was compelled t© 
write the Indian communications ? 

Jins. He was not compelled. 

Ee 



338 



WEMOIPvS OF 



Continuation of the minutes of the proceedings of a special 
court, whereof major-general Gaines is president, con- 
vened by order of the '26th of ^pril, 1818. 

Fort St. Marks, 27th April, 1818. 
The court proceeded to the trial of Robert G. Am- 
brister, a British subject, who, beins: asked if he had 
any objections to any one of the riiembers of the court, 
and replying in the negative, was arraigned on the fol- 
lowing charges and specifications, viz. 

Charges against Robert C. Jlmbrister^ now in custody, 
who says he i.s a British subject. 

Charge 1st. Aiding, abetting, and comforting the 
enemy, supplying thfm with tiie means of war, ht- being 
a subject of Great- Britain, at peace with the United 
States, and lately an ufficer in the British colonial ma- 
rines. 

Specification 1st. That the said Robert C An)brister 
did jjive intelligence of the movements and operations 
of the Anicrican army between the 1st and ^Oth of 
March, 1818, and did excite them (the ne^^roes and In- 
dians) to war against the army of the United States, by 
sending their warriors to meet and fight the American 
army — whose government was at peace and friendship 
with the United States and all her citizens. 

Charge 2c/. Leading and commanding the Lower 
Creeks in carrying on a war against the United States. 

Specification Is/. That the said Robert C, Ambris- 
ter, a subject of Great-Britain, which government was 
in peace and amity with the United Stales and all her 
citizens, did, between the first of February and twenti- 
eth uf [March, 1818, levy war against the U^nited Slates, 
by assuming command of the Indians in hostility and 
open war with {he United States, and ordering a pavty 
of them to meet the army of the United States and give 
them battle, as will appear by his letters to governor 



ANDREW JACKSON. 339 

Cameron of New-Providence, dated 20th March, 1818, 
which are marked A, B, C, and D, and the testimony 
of Mr. Peter B. Couk and capt. Lewis, of the schooner 
Chance. 

By order of the court. 

J. M. GLASSELL, Recorder. 

To which charges and specifications, pleaded as fol- 
lows, viz, : 

To the first charge and specification— JVbi guillij. 
To the second charge and specification — GuiUy and 
justification. 

The court adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 

7 o'clock. 

Fort St MarkSy ^UhJlpril, 1818. 

The court met pursuant to adjournment. Present, 
Major-General Gaines, President. 
Members. 
Colonel King, Colonel Dyer, 

Colonel WiUiams, Lt. Col. Liodsey, 

Li. Col. Gibson, Lt. Col Elliott, 

Major Muhlenberg, Major Fanning, 

Major Montgomery, Major Mi n ton, 

Captain Vash.on, Captain Crittenden. 

Lieut. J. M.Glassell, Kecorder. 

The recorder then read to the court the following or- 
der, viz. : 

Head (Quarters, Division of the South, Adj. Gen^s. Office ^ 

St. Marks, 28/4 .^pn/, 1818. 

GENERAL ORDER. 

Capt. Allison, of the 7th infantry, is detailed to form 
a supernumerary member of the special court now sit- 
ting at fori 8t. Marks. 

By order. ROBERT BUTLER, Adj. Gen. 



3-10 MEMOIRS OF 

Pursuant to the above order, the supernumerary 
member took his seat. 

John Lewis Phenix, a witness on the part of the pro- 
secution, being duly sworn, stated, that, about the 5th 
or 6ih of April, 1818, his vessel and himself having been 
captured by the prisoner, and he brought to Suwany 
as a prisoner, there was an alarm among the negroes 
and Indians, created by learning some news from Mick- 
asuky, at which time the prisoner appeared active in 
sending orders, and sending a detachment to meet the 
American army. The witness also stated, that the pris- 
oner appeared to be a person vested with authority 
among the negro leaders, and gave orders for their pre- 
paration for war, providing amtnunition, &c. And that 
the leaders came to him for ordtrs. The prisoner fur- 
nished tiiem with powder and lead, and recommended 
to them tlie making of ball, &c. very quickly. The 
witness also stated that the prisoner occasionally dres- 
sed in uniform, with !iis sword ; and that, on the first 
alarm, which he understood was from Mickasuky, by a 
negro woman, he put on the uniform. 

The witness further stated, that some time about the 
20th March, 1818, the prisoner, with an armed body of 
negroes, {24 in number,) came on board his vessel, and 
ordered him to pilot them to fort St, Marks, which, he 
stated, he intended to capture before the Americans 
could get there — threatening to hang the witness if he 
did not obey. 

.Qucs. by ike court — Did you ever understand by 
whose authority, and for what purpose the accused 
came into the country ? 

Jim. I have frequently heard him say, he came to 
attend to Mr. Woodbine's business at the bay of Tam- 
per. 

Qwc5. hij the prisoner — Did I not tell you, when I 
came on board the schooner Chance, I wished you to 
pilot nje to St- Marks^ as I was inforQied thei two 



ANDREW JACKSON. 341 

Americans, by the names of Hambly and Doyle, were 
confined there, and I wished to have them relieved from 

their confinement ? 

Ans. You stated you wanted to get Hambly and 
Doyle from St. Marks. I do not know what were your 
intentions in so doing. 

Qwes. Did I not tell you that I expected the Indians 
would fire upon me when arriving at St. Marks ? 

^^ns. You did not : you stated that you intended to 
take the fort in the night by surprise. 

(lues. Did you see me give ammunition to the ne- 
groes and Indians ; and, if so, how much, and at what 
time ? 

Ans. I saw you give powder and lead to the negroes 
when you came on board, and advised them to make 
balls ; and I saw you give liquor and paint to the In- 
dians 

Qiies. Have you not often heard me say, between 
the 1st and 20th of April, that I would not have any 
thing to do with the negroes and Indians in exciting 
them to war with the United States ? 

^ins. About the 15th of April, I heard you say you 
would not have any thing to do with the negroes and 
Indians : I heard notliing about exciting them to war. 

Q^ues Can you read writing .? 

^713. Not English writing. 

(lues. Did you not hear me say, when arriving at 
Suwany, that I wished to be off immediately for- Prov- 
idence .'* 

Ans. I did not : after the alarm, you said you wish- 
ed to be off for Tamper. 

Ques. Did you not say to the accused you wished to 
visit Mr. Arbuthnot, at his store on Suwany, and get 
provisions yourself .' 

/his. I id not : I stated I wanted provisions. 

Qwes. Did I send or command any Indians to go and 
light tne Americans ? 

A71S. I did not exactly know that you sent them * 
Ee2 



'o' 



342 MEMOIRS OF 

the [ndians and nej^roes were crowding before youi' 
door, and yo:j were dividiu^ tho paiiit, Si,c. among 
the.n ; and J u-id'-rstood a party was j^oin^ to march, 

Q/(c'6\ Oi I I f)'ti give up the schooner to you in 
chargf;, as captain ? 

ins. After onr return from Suwany town, you di- 
rected me to take cliarge of her to go to Tamper. 

John I. Arbuthnot, a witness on the part of tlie 
prosecution, being duly sworn, stated tirat some time 
about the 23il of March, the prisoner came with a body 
of negroes, partly armed, to his father's store on Su- 
wany river, ami told the witness he had come to do 
justice to the country, by taking the good« and distri- 
buting them among the ne^^roes and Indians-— whicli 
the witness saw the prisoner do : and that the prisoner 
slated to him, that he had come to the country on 
Woodbine's business, to see the neoroes righted. The 
witness has further known the prisoner to give orders 
to the negroes, and that, at his su^i^gestion, a party 
was sent from Suwany to meet the Americans, to give 
them battle — which party returned on meeting the 
Mickasuky Indians in their flight. The witness also 
testified to the following letter, marked A, and referred 
to in the specification of the second charge, as the vvri- 
iing; of t.he prisoner. 

A. 

Mohert. C. Atnhrister io Governor Cameron, 

Sahwahiiee near St. Marks Forty 
March 20th, 1818. 

Sir — I am requested particularly by all our Indian, 
v^hiefs, to acquaint your excellency, that the Americans- 
have commenced hostilities with them two years ago, 
and have advanced some considerable distance in tiiis 
country, and are iiow making daily progress. They 
iay t!>ey sent a number of letters to your excellency,. 



ANDKEW JACKSON. 343^ 

but have never received one answer, which makes them 
believe that he never delivered them ; and will obli'^-e 
them much if you will let me know whether he did or 
not. The purport of the letters were, befi;f>in.<i^ your 
excellency to be kind enouj^h to send them down some 
gun powder, inusket balls, lead, cannon, kc. as they 
are now compleiely out of those articles. The Ameri- 
cans may march tlirouj^h the whole territory in one 
month, and without arms, &lc. they must surrender. 
Hiliis Hajo, or Francis, the Iiidian chief, {he one that 
was in England, tells me to let your excellency knoW;, 
tiiat tlie prince regent told him that, whenever he want- 
ed ammunition, your excellency would supply him with 
as much as. he wanted. They beg me to press upon 
your excellency's mind to send the above mentioned ar- 
ticles down by the vessel that brins^s this to you. as she 
will sail for this place Immediately — and let the prince 
regent know of their &iiuation. Any letters that your- 
excellency may send down, be good enough to direct to 
me, as they have great dependence in my writing. Any 
news that your excellency may have respecting them 
and America, will be doing a great favor to let me 
know, that I may send among them. Tiiere is now a 
very large body of Americans and Indians, who 1 expect 
will attack us. every day, anil God only knows how it 
will be decided But I must only say, this will be the 
last elTort with us. There has been a body of Indians 
gone to meet them, and I have sent another party. I. 
hope your excellency will be pleased to grant the favor 
they request. 

I have nothing further to add, but am. sir, with due 
r.espect, your obedient humble servant, 

HOBERT C. AMBRISTER, 

Q,uestio}i by the Prisoner. Did you hear me say thai 
1 came on Woodbine's businss? ? 
.9^!^. J. did. 



344 MEMOIRS OF 

Q,Mes, by the P. Were not the negroes alluded to at 
Arbuthnot's store before 1 arrived ? 
Jlns. No, you came witli them. 

Peter B. Cook, a witness on the part of the prosecu- 
tion, being duly sworn, stated, that he never heard the 
prisoner give any orders to negroes or Indians ; that the 
prisoner distributed Aibuthnot's goods, and also, paint 
to th=3 nef^roes and Indians. 

Also, that some powder was brought from tlie ves- 
sel to Suw<ny by the prisoner, and distributed among 
the negroes by Nero. Some time in March the pris- 
oner took Arbuthnot's schooner, and with an armed 
party of negroes, 24 in number, set out fjr fort St. 
Marks, for the purpose of taking Arbuthnot's goods at 
that place, and stated that he would compel the com- 
mandant to deliver them up. On hearing of the ap- 
proach of the American army, the prisoner told the 
negroes it was useless to run ; for if they ran any far- 
tiier, they would be driven into the sea 

The prisoner told the witness that he had been a 
lieutenant in the Biitish army, under Col. Nicholls. 
The prisoner was senl by Woodbine to Tamper, to see 
about those negroes he had left there. The prisoner 
told the witness that he had written a letter to gover- 
nor Cameron, for ammunition forth.e Indians some time 
in March, and also told the witness that he had a com- 
mission in the patriot army, under M'Gregor, and that 
he had expected a captaincy. The witness testified 
that the letters marked A, B, C, and D, and referred to 
in the spccificatittn to the second charge, were in the 
hand writing of the prisoner, and one marked E. 

D 

From Roherl C. ^nibrister to Governor Cameron, Sfc^ 

Suhwahnee, 20ih JVIarrh, 1818, 
Nnar Fort St. Marks. 
Sir, — I am requested by Francis and all the Indian 



ANDREW JAGKSON. 34j5 

chiefs, to acquaint your excellency, that they are at 
war with the Atnericanrs, and have been some time 
back. That they are in great distress for want of am- 
munition, balls, arms, &c. anil have wrote by Mr. Ar- 
buthnot several times, but they suppose he never de- 
livers them to your excellency. You will oblige them 
much to let them know whether he did or not. 

I expect the Americans and Indians will attack us 
daily. I have sent a party of men to oppose them. 
They beg on me to press on your excellency's mind to 
lay the situation of the country before the Prince Re- 
gent, and ask for assistance. 

All news respecting them, your excellency will do a 
favor to let us know by the first opportunity, that I 
may make them acquainted, I have given directions 
to the captain to let your excellency know when the 
vessel will sail for this place. I hope your excellency 
will be pleased to send them the ammunition. 1 ex- 
pect, if they do not procure some very shortly, that 
the Americans will march through the country. I 
have nothing further to add. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, 
ROBERT C. AMBRISTER. 

E. 

From Robert C. Jinihrister to Peter B. Cook. 

Mouth of the River. 

Dr. Cook, — The boat arrived here about 3 o'clock 
on Thursday : the wind has been a-head ever since : 
I have been down. Tiie rudder of the vessel is in a 
bad condition ; but [ will manage to have it done to- 
night. The wind, I am in hopes, will be fair in the 
morning:, w!ien I will get under weigh, and make all 
possible dispatch. 1 will make old Lewis pilot me safe. 
If those Indians don't conduct themselves straight, I 
would use rigorous- means with them. Beware of Mr. 
Jerry : I found him on board when I came. Keep a 



346 MEMOIRS OF 

good look out. I have sent two kegs of powder and 
one bar of lead. Yours, &c. R. A. 

TUESDAY, 3 o'clock. 

(aiuestion by the Prisoner- Did you not frequently 
hear m(- say that I would have nothing to do with the 
Indians in exciting them to war with the United States ? 

•Ans. I do not recollect 

Q,ues- by the P- Are you acquainted with Lewis Phe- 
nix and have you not heard him express ill will against 
xne, in consequence of my wishing him to pilot me to 
St. Marks ^ 

Ans. I never did 

Q,Mes- Do you know of my sending troops at any time 
to fight against the United States ; and have I not been 
constantly with you, so that you would have had an op- 
portunity of knowing if there had been any sent by me r 

Ans I have not : they might have been sent with- 
out my knowledge. 

Jacob Harrison, a witness on the part of the prosecu- 
tion, bemg duly sworn, stated, that some time in the 
latter end of IMarch, or first of April, the prisoner took 
possession of the schooner Chance, with an armed party 
of Uf^groes, and stated his intentions of taking t. Marks- 
On his way thither, going ashore, he learned from some 
Indians that Arbuthnot had gone to St' Marks, which 
induced him to return- Tiie witness also slated, that, 
while the prisoner was on board, he had complete com- 
mand of the negroes, who considered him as their cap- 
tain. The prisoner took the cargo of the vessel up to- 
wards Suwnny, which consisted of, with other articles, 
9 kegs of powder, and 500 pounds of lead. 

Tlie evidence on both sides being closed, the prisoner 
was allowed until 5 o'clock this evening to make his 
defence- 



ANDREW JACKSOIT. 317 

The time allowed the prisoner for the preparation of 
his defence, having expired, fie was broujjht before the 
court, and made the defence marked ^J, wliich is at- 
tached to these proceedings. 

The court was then cleared, and the proceedings 
read over by the recorder, wKen, after due delibfratioa 
on the teptimony brought forward, the court find the 
prisoner, Robert C Amhrister, guilty of so much of the 
specification to the first charge, as folhws, viz- " and 
did excite' them to war with the United States ; by send- 
ing thefr warriors to meet and fight the Anierican army, 
he being a subject of Grear-BritMin, which government 
was at peace and fritndship with the United States, and 
all her citizens ; but not guilty of the other part of 
the specification ; guilty of tlie first charge ; guilty of 
the specification of the second charge, and guilty of the 
secf lid charge ; and do, therefore, sentence the prison- 
er, Robert C Ambrister, to suffer dtaih^ by being sAof, 
two thirds of the court concurring therein- 
One of the members of the court requesting a re- 
consideraiion of his vote on the sentence, the sense of 
the court was taken thereon, and decided in the affirm- 
ative, when the \ote was again taken, and the court 
sentence the prisoner to rerpjve fifty stripes on his bare 
back, and be confined with a ball and chain to hard 
labour, for twelve calendar months. 
The court adjourned, sine die. 

EDMUND P. GAINES, 
I\!ajor-General by brevet. President of the Court. 
J. M. Glassell, Recorder. 

DEFENCE M, 

Fort St. Marks, Jpril 28//t, 1818. 

The United States of America, ^ 

vs. > 

Robert Christy Ambrister, j 

Who, being arraigned before a special court martial, 
upon the following charges, to wit : 



348 MEMOIRS OF 

1. AiiVing:, abetting, and comforting [the Indians ;] 
supplying them with the means of war, he bein«j a 
subject of Great Britain, at peace witi) the United 
States, and lately an officer in the British colonial ma- 
rines. 

Charge 2d. Leading and commanding the lower 
Creek Indians in carrying on war against the United 
States. 

To the first charge the prisoner al the bar pleads 
not guilty, and, as to the second charge, he pifads 
guilty, and justification The prisoner at the bar feels 
grateful to this honourable court for their goodness in 
giving him a sufficient time to deliberate, and arrange 
his defence on the above charges. 

The prisoner al the bar here avails himself of the 
opportunity of stating to this court, that inasmuch as 
the testimony which was introducer! in this case, was 
very explicit, and went to every point the prisoner 
could wish, he has nothing further to offer in his de- 
fence, but puts hims^'ir upon the mercy of the honour- 
able court. ROBERT C. AMBRISTER. 

Head-Quarters, Division of the South. 

Adjutant- GeneraPs Office, Camp 4 miles north 
of St. JWarAs, ^pril ^9th, 1818. 

GENERAL ORDER. 

At a special court martial, commenced on the 26th ' 

instant at St. Marks, and continued until the night of 
the 'i?8th, of which brevet Major- General E. P. Gaines 
is President, was tried A. Arbuthnot, on the following 
charges and specifi'^ations, viz : 

Charge 1st Exciting and stirring up the Creek In- 
dians to war against the United States and her citizens, ,, 
he, A. Arbuthnot, bf^ing a subject of Great-Britain, 1 
with whoij the United Slatps are at peace. 

Charge 2d. Acting as a spy ; aiding, abetting, and 



ANDREW JACKSON. 349 

comforting the enemy, and supplying them with the 
means of war. 

Charge 3d. Exciting the Indians to murder and de- 
stroy William Hambly and EUmund Doyle, confiscate 
their property, and causing their arrest, with a view to 
their condemnation to death, and the seizure of their 
property, they being citizens of Spain, on account of 
their active and zealous exertions to maintain peace 
between Spain, the United States, and the Indians. 
To which charges the prisoner pleaded not guilty. 
The court, after mature deliberation on the evidence 
adduced, find the prisoner, A. Arbuthnot, guilty of the 
first charge, and guilty of the second charge, leaving 
out the words ^^ acting as a spy ;" and, after mature 
reflection, sentence him, A. Arbuthnot, to be suspended 
hy the neck, until he is dead. 

Was also tried, Robert C Ambrister, on the follow- 
ing charges, viz. 

Charge Ist. Aiding, abetting, and comforting the 
enemy, and supplying them with the means of war, he 
being a subject of Great-Britain, who are at peace with 
the United States, and late an officer in the British co- 
lonial marines, 

Cijarge 2d. Leading and commanding the lower 
Creek Indians in carrying on a war against the United 
States, 

T" which charges the prisoner pleaded as follows : 
to the 1st charge, not guihy ; to the 2d charge, guilty, 
and justification. 

The court, on examination of evidence, and on ma- 
ture deliberation, find the prisoner, Robert C. Ambris- 
ter, guilty of the 1st and 2d charges ; and do, there- 
fore, sentence him to suffer death, by being shot. The 
members requeuing a re-consideration of the vote on 
this sentence, a. id it being liad, they sentence the pris- 
oner to receive fifty stripes on his bare back, and be 
confined with a ball and chain, to hard labour, for twelve 
calendar mouths. 
Ff 



350 JMEMOIRS OF 

The Commanding General approves the finding and 
sentence of the court in the case of A. Arbuthnot, and 
approves the finding and first sentence of the court in 
the case of Robert C. Ambrister, and disapproves the 
re-consideration of the sentence of the honourable court 
in this case. 

It appears, from the evidence and pleading of the 
prisoner, that he did lead and command within the ter- 
ritory of Spain, (being a subject of Great-Britain,) 
the Indians in war against the United States, those na- 
tions being at peace. It is an established principle of 
the laws of nations, that any individual of a nation 
making war against the citizens of any other nation, 
they being at peace, forfeits his allegiance, and be- 
comes an outlaw and pirate. This is the case of Robert 
C. Ambrister, cletirly shewn by the evidence adduced. 

The Commanding General orders that brevet Major 
A. C. VV. Fanning, of tlie corps of artillery, will have, 
between the hours of 8 and 9 o'cloc^k, A M. A Arbuth- 
not suspended^by the neck with a rope, until he is dead, 
and Robert C. Ambrister to be shot to death, agreeable 
to the sentence of the couit. 

John James Arbuthnot will be furnished with a pas- 
sage to Pensacola, by the first vessel. 

The hpecial court, oi which brevet Major-General 
E. P. Gaines is President, is dissolved. 

By order of Major-General Jackson. 

ROBERT BUTLER, Adjutant-General. 

Many British prints, and what excites rather 
^)ity than indii^nation, many Amnrican prints, have 
bestowed upon the administration, and Gtw. Jack- 
son, the most opprobrious epithets, for their pro- 
ceedings in relation to the capture of St. Marks and 
Pensacola, and the execution of Arbuthnot and 
Ambrister ! The justice of heaven is often recog 



ANDREW JACKSON. 351 

nized in bringing the solitanj murderer to justice; 
and although it is ever a solemn scene, human tri- 
bunals are justified in inflicting it. Is it because 
these miscreants occasioned blood to flow from 
hundrrds of bosoms, that they are to be screened 
from punishment ? They were murderers, in the 
strictest sense of the word. Britain and Spain, 
were both at peace with America; they therefore 
could not claim the rights of prisoners of war. 
They lived by the knife, the tomahawk, and the 
musket, and they justly expiated their crimes upon 
the gibbet. 

The Seminoles liad been conquered ; their pow- 
er broken ; their warriors dispersed ; and their in- 
stigators punished. At the very moment when 
Gen. Jackson was about to discharge his army, in- 
formation was received by him, that many recent 
murtlers had been '' committed on the Alabama, by 
a party of the enemy from Pensacola, where they 
were furnished with provisions and ammunition by a 
friendly power /"^ 

Governor Joseph Masot^ had succeeded Gonzalez 
Manrequez, in the gubernatorial authority of Flor- 
ida ; but although there was a change of men, 
there was no alttration in mtasures. The hostile 
savages were stili fostered, armed, and instigated to 
war, in the capital of Florida. Gen. Jackson, re- 
solved a£;ain to '' carry our arms where he found our 

* Vide Gen. Jackson's address to his army, 29th May, 1818. 



^52 MEMOIRS OF 

enemies."* Encountering hardships and privations 
which he and the Tennessee Volunteers had for 
years encountered, they moved towards Pensacola. 
Conscious of having incurred the just vengeance of 
the American government and army, the governor 
remonHr cited against the procedure, in order to lay 
a foundation for a little more negociation with his 
*' adored master ;" but Gen. Jackson had no other 
power of negociating with Masot, than he had with 
Manrequez — ^^ from the mouths of his cannonJ'^-\ 

He entered Fensacola without opposition. The 
governor, his retinue, and his forces, retired to the 
fortress of Barancas^ which had been repaired, at 
jfimiensc Ci'pcn^e, since the explosion in the last 
war. It was here, that the American forces ex- 
pected the most determined opposition, from the 
superior advantages that the Spaniards possessed. 
But " he is doublij armUl ivho hath his quarrel just,'''' 
The garrison held out but one day, and surrendered 
upon the 28ih ?»Iay. The articles of capitulation 
are before the public, and are too long to be here 
inserted. 

.Upon the 29th May, G^n. Jackson commences 
his orders — " iJead-quarters^ Division of the South, 
7V775rtv'?o/r(."— Speaking of the possession of this 
place, he says — " he has not been prompted to this 
measure from a wish to extend the territorial limits 
of the United States,"*^ Alluding, to the Spanish treaty, 
* Vide Chap, xii, f Vide Chap, xi. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 353 

and the Spanish violation of it, he says—*' helpless 
women have been butchered, and the cradle stain- 
ed with the blood of innocence !" He assigned the 
command of Pensacoia to Col. King, *' as military 
and civil governor," and prepared to retire to his 
old head-quarters at Nashville. He arrived there 
late in June, and was received by a deputation of 
citizens, among whom was his gallant associate, 
Gen. Carroll. 

From that time to the present, (Nov. 1818,) 
Gen. Jackson has been assiduously engaged in the 
important duties devolved upon him, as " com- 
mander IN CHIEF OF THE DIVISION OF THE SOUTH." 



F(2 



/ 



:>ai. :viEM01RS o? 



CONCLUSION. 

Incidents of Gen. Jackson's life — his character. 

In concluding these Memoirs, I cannot omit to 
insert a few incidents of Gen. Jackson's life, which 
are not yet embraced in them» 

When sitting as judge of the supreme court of 
Tennessee, an atrocious culprit escaped from the 
custody of the sheriff; seized a loaded musket with 
a bayonet ; placed himself in the angle of two 
stone walls, and swore he would shoot the first, 
and bayonet tlie second man that attempted to 
take him. Tlie shcriii' ordered tgi men, as assist- 
ants, but they dared not approach him. The sheriff 
reported the fact to the judge. *' Summon 100 
men, then," said judge Jackson. It was done ; 
but ihcy also feared to arrest him. Upon a second 
report—" Summon wf, then," said the judge. It 
was done. He descended from the bench — ap- 
proached the culprit with a stern countenance, and 
dignified Brmness — seized the musket with one 
hand, the culprit with the other, and handed him 
to the sheriff. 

In the most gloomy period of the Creek war, 
when Gen. Jackson's little army w^as in imminent 



ANDREW JACKSeN. 355 

danger from the savages, and still more alarmed at 
the almost certain prospect of famine; when an 
aiarming despondency pervaded thf- hearts of those 
brave men, who wouKl face death in its most hor- 
rible forms, the general invited a number of his 
officers to breakfast with him- They repaired to 
his marquee, and found him sitting, with dignified 
composure, under a wide spreading oak, which had 
produced an a!)undant crop of acorns. " Sit down, 
gentlemen/' said the genera! : '' this is uy breakfast, 
and it is all I have to serve you with ; but a soldier 
never despairs. Heaven will bless our cause — will 
preserve us from famine, and return us home con- 
querors." The officers returned to their tents 
with increasing admiration of their general; ad- 
hered to him to the end of the war; and saw his 
predictions verified. 

The troops before New-Orleans embraced many 
of the first young gentlemen, in point of talents, 
education, family and fortune, in the states of 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi : 
and among them were, of course, many of a rougher 
character. The pleasant raillery, which is the 
very zest of life^ when played oif by one gentle- 
man upon another, was unfortunatel}' practised up- 
on a captain of a company, who took it in high 
dudgeon. In imitation of the names of Indian 
chiefs, his men called him Capt. Fiat-Foot. He re- 
monstrated against it to Gen. Jackson, who plea* 



356 MEMOIRS OF 

santly remarked — "Really, Captain, it is difficult 
getting along with those gay young fellows; but so 
long as they toil at the lines with such vigour, and 
fight the enemy with such courage, we ofticers must 
overlook a little innocent levity. Why, Captain, 
they call me Old Hickory ; and if you prefer my 
title to your's, I will readily make an exchange." 
The Captain retired, proud of the title of Capt. 
Flat' Foot. 

Pages might be filled in relating interesting anec* 
dotes, and incidents of Gen. Jackson, which would 
clearly show, that although austere dignity is his 
predominating characteristic, he still possesses the 
most amiable and benevolent heart. But the work 
is already extended much beyond the original de- 
sign of it. One subject, however, must not be 
omitted ; that of duelling. That Gen. Jackson has 
a number of times, entered the field of single com- 
bat^ is not disputed ; but that he ever entered it 
the aggressor, is most unequivocally denied. Tliat 
he has that susceptibility which is always a concom- 
itant with genius and greatness, is admitted ; but 
that he ever wantonly provoked an honourable man 
to resort to the sword or pistol for redress, is inad- 
missif)Ie. Gen. Jackson respects his fellow men, ac- 
cording to their merits; and he respects himself 
according to his own. He is never guilty of insult- 
ing with wantonness, and will never be insulted 
with impunity. 



ANDREW JACKSON. 357 

If Gen. Jackson, in repelling and punishing llie 
rude attacks that have been made on his fame and 
his honour, has resorted to a mode of redress, not 
sanctioned by the laws of his country, it is a mode 
which legislatures have hitherto been unable to re- 
strain. 

In concluding these memoirs, I attempt with 
deep solicitude, briefly to pourtray the exalted 
character who is the subject of them. 

ANDREW JACKSON was born a great man- 
he was born free. The first dawning of his intellect 
elicited the independence of his spirit. As if his 
youthful blood instinctively glowed with indigna- 
tion, at the iijiserles his ancestors had SiiSjained from 
abused power, the first signal act of his life was 
performed in resisting it. Intuitively great, he ex° 
plored the regions of science with the rapidity of 
thought. Acute in observation, he studied men as 
he mingled with them. Aspiring in his views, he 
sought for a capaciou« field as the scene af his ex- 
ertions. He entered the stage of life entirely alone. 
With no extrinsic advantages to raise him into life, 
he sought no aid out of himself, and he received no 
aid but what he commanded by his own energy. A 
theoretical and practical statesman, he led the peo- 
ple of Tenness(;e, to the adoption of a constitution, 
to give permanency to their civil rights — \ soldier 
from boyhood, he led his fellow citizens to the 
frontiersj to preserve them from devastation, and 



358 MEMOIRS Of 

the settlers from massacre. Unsatisfied with a mi- 
nor station, every step he gained in his ascent to the 
temple of fame, gave hira new vigour in ascending 
still. He became a senator of the American Re- 
public; and to shew the worhi that his greatness 
was not derived from his official elevation, he re- 
tired to the post of ** honour — a private station." 

When the olive of peace ceased to wave over the 
repul)lic, and the clarion of war assailed the ears of 
her citizens, his military character suddenly devel- 
oped itself. Enjoying the tranquil charms of do- 
mestic felicity, the soothing suggestions of inactivi- 
ty urged him to rest. But he was horn for his 
country — his country was endangered — its hopes 
were fixed upon him, and he eypoused its cause. 

Devoted to the cause of his country from princi- 
ple, he scarcely breathed, after subjugating a savage 
foe, before he Thundered defiance to the conquerors 
of the Old World. Upon the banks of the majes- 
tic Mississippi, he soared before his enemies, in 
sheets of fire — he rendered every defile a Thermo^ 
pi^'la, and every plain an Amaralhcn. 

He is deeply versed in the science of human na- 
ture — hence he is rarely deceived in the confidence 
he reposes in his friends, and knows well how to de- 
tect his enemies. The first he loves, and sets the 
last at defiance. In the discharge of official duties, 
he imparts dignity to the office, and secures respect 



ANDREW JACKSON. 359 

to hiniself^ — in the circles of private life, he is affa- 
ble, without descending to low familiarity. 

In his person, he is above the ordinary height, 
elegantly formed, but of very spare habit. But, 
" toil has strung his nerves^ and purified his blood^^ 
and he can bear any fatigue within the power of 
human endurance. The features of his face have 
that striking peculiarity, which immediately at- 
tracts attention. His lare:e, dark blue eyes, are set- 
tled deep under prominent arching eyebrows, 
which he can clothe in frowns to repel an enemy, 
and dress in smiles to delight his friends— his whole 
person shows that he was born to command. 

In fine, he is loved by his friends — respected by 
his enemies— the favourite of his country, and the 
admiration of the world. 



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